Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101169
Alessandro Alvaro , Giulia Maria Cattaneo , Fabio Bigoni , Riccardo Molteni , Matilde Silvia Conconi , Domenico Otranto , Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan , Gentile Francesco Ficetola , Paolo Gabrieli , Claudio Bandi , Raoul Manenti , Sara Epis
Leishmania parasites are dixenous protozoans transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and known to infect a range of vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. However, to date, there is only a single record for amphibians, in a toad (order Anura), based on molecular evidence. In this study, we present the first evidence supporting the potential of Leishmania to infect an amphibian host, the fire salamander (order Urodela), through combined molecular and morphological approaches. A total of 78 salamanders were sampled from a protected area in northern Italy. Single cells morphologically similar to Leishmania were observed in 4.48 % of Giemsa-stained blood smears. Leishmania-specific qPCR coupled with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis detected parasite DNA in 7.14 % of blood samples and 12.12 % of cloacal swabs. Sanger sequencing of a qPCR-positive sample and phylogenetic analysis identified the parasite as Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae. These findings may contribute to expand the known host range of Leishmania to include Urodelan amphibians, suggesting that these vertebrates may play an unrecognized role in the ecology and transmission dynamics of these parasites.
{"title":"Beyond reptiles: the fire salamander as a potential host for Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae","authors":"Alessandro Alvaro , Giulia Maria Cattaneo , Fabio Bigoni , Riccardo Molteni , Matilde Silvia Conconi , Domenico Otranto , Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan , Gentile Francesco Ficetola , Paolo Gabrieli , Claudio Bandi , Raoul Manenti , Sara Epis","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101169","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101169","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Leishmania</em> parasites are dixenous protozoans transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies and known to infect a range of vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. However, to date, there is only a single record for amphibians, in a toad (order Anura), based on molecular evidence. In this study, we present the first evidence supporting the potential of <em>Leishmania</em> to infect an amphibian host, the fire salamander (order Urodela), through combined molecular and morphological approaches. A total of 78 salamanders were sampled from a protected area in northern Italy. Single cells morphologically similar to <em>Leishmania</em> were observed in 4.48 % of Giemsa-stained blood smears. <em>Leishmania</em>-specific qPCR coupled with high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis detected parasite DNA in 7.14 % of blood samples and 12.12 % of cloacal swabs. Sanger sequencing of a qPCR-positive sample and phylogenetic analysis identified the parasite <em>as Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae</em>. These findings may contribute to expand the known host range of <em>Leishmania</em> to include Urodelan amphibians, suggesting that these vertebrates may play an unrecognized role in the ecology and transmission dynamics of these parasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101169"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617136","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 : 2025-11-18DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101162
Zoë Tess Lara Lindhorst , Manuela Theresa Frangl , Barbara Eigner , Bita Shahi Barogh , Georg Gerhard Duscher , Annette Schliephake , Wolfgang Gaede , Hans-Peter Fuehrer , Mike Heddergott
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine and public health, with wildlife potentially playing a key role in their transmission. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Spleen samples from 277 legally hunted foxes were collected over a period of twelve months (May 2020 to April 2021) in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp. A total of 94 % of the samples showed a positive result. The pathogens identified were Hepatozoon spp. (77 %), Babesia vulpes (68 %), Mycoplasma haemocanis (5 %), Mycoplasma spp. (5 %), Bartonella taylorii (1 %), Bartonella rochalimae (0.7 %), and Trypanosoma pestanai (0.4 %). None of the examined samples tested positive for filarioid helminths, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasmataceae. This study highlights the role of foxes as reservoirs for pathogens that may affect domestic animals and humans, potentially contributing to the spread of these pathogens through shared environments and vectors.
{"title":"Molecular analysis of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Saxony-Anhalt (Germany)","authors":"Zoë Tess Lara Lindhorst , Manuela Theresa Frangl , Barbara Eigner , Bita Shahi Barogh , Georg Gerhard Duscher , Annette Schliephake , Wolfgang Gaede , Hans-Peter Fuehrer , Mike Heddergott","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are becoming increasingly important in veterinary medicine and public health, with wildlife potentially playing a key role in their transmission. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in red foxes (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>). Spleen samples from 277 legally hunted foxes were collected over a period of twelve months (May 2020 to April 2021) in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp. A total of 94 % of the samples showed a positive result. The pathogens identified were <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp. (77 %), <em>Babesia vulpes</em> (68 %), <em>Mycoplasma haemocanis</em> (5 %), <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp. (5 %), <em>Bartonella taylorii</em> (1 %), <em>Bartonella rochalimae</em> (0.7 %), and <em>Trypanosoma pestanai</em> (0.4 %). None of the examined samples tested positive for filarioid helminths, <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., and Anaplasmataceae. This study highlights the role of foxes as reservoirs for pathogens that may affect domestic animals and humans, potentially contributing to the spread of these pathogens through shared environments and vectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101162"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570746","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 : 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101163
R.K. Davidson , S. Dembereldagva , I.H. Nymo , T. Mørk , J. Sánchez Romano , R. þórarinsdóttir , K.S. Utaaker , S.G. þórisson , M. Tryland
Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were introduced to Iceland from Norway in the late 18th century and have thrived in Eastern Iceland. In 2003–2005 the parasitic fauna was studied, and Icelandic reindeer were found to lack many parasites common to Norwegian reindeer. This study from 2018 provides an updated comparison. Abomasal content and faeces were collected from the 117 reindeer (63 adults, 22 yearlings, 17 calves, 15 age not recorded), from: 1 - West (N = 29), 2 - Central (N = 44), 3–9 - East (N = 40), not recorded (N = 4) management areas hunted in 2018. Not all animals were examined by all methods. Abomasal nematode counts (N = 81) were carried out in addition to faecal egg and larval counts, using modified McMaster (N = 111) and Baermann (N = 108). Abomasal nematodes were detected in 31 % of samples, with low mean abundance (48) and intensity (160). Males had higher prevalence (46 %) and mean abundance (89) than females (24 %; 29). The sheep gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) Teladorsagia circumcincta predominated, although, for the first time, single specimens of Spiculopteragia boehmi (Gebauer,1932) and a male nematode with morphology suggestive of Ostertagia arctica, a minor morph of O. gruehneri, were detected. Trichostrongylus axei was not detected. Trichostrongylidae and Aonchotheca egg prevalence was 35 % (mean abundance eggs per gram, EPG, 12, mean intensity 33 EPG) and 23 % (mean abundance 8 EPG; mean intensity 34 EPG) respectively. No faecal larvae were detected. There were geographic as well as sex related differences in abundance. Trichostrongylidae eggs prevalence, but not abundance, was higher in 2018 compared to 2005, and an opposite trend with abomasal nematode counts was seen. Reindeer in Iceland still have a low prevalence and abundance of GINs, dominated by T. circumcincta. The monitoring of GIN in this population provides a simple means of evaluating population health in a time with changing climate.
{"title":"An update on gastrointestinal nematodes in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Iceland","authors":"R.K. Davidson , S. Dembereldagva , I.H. Nymo , T. Mørk , J. Sánchez Romano , R. þórarinsdóttir , K.S. Utaaker , S.G. þórisson , M. Tryland","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101163","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101163","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Eurasian tundra reindeer (<em>Rangifer tarandus</em>) were introduced to Iceland from Norway in the late 18th century and have thrived in Eastern Iceland. In 2003–2005 the parasitic fauna was studied, and Icelandic reindeer were found to lack many parasites common to Norwegian reindeer. This study from 2018 provides an updated comparison. Abomasal content and faeces were collected from the 117 reindeer (63 adults, 22 yearlings, 17 calves, 15 age not recorded), from: 1 - West (N = 29), 2 - Central (N = 44), 3–9 - East (N = 40), not recorded (N = 4) management areas hunted in 2018. Not all animals were examined by all methods. Abomasal nematode counts (N = 81) were carried out in addition to faecal egg and larval counts, using modified McMaster (N = 111) and Baermann (N = 108). Abomasal nematodes were detected in 31 % of samples, with low mean abundance (48) and intensity (160). Males had higher prevalence (46 %) and mean abundance (89) than females (24 %; 29). The sheep gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) <em>Teladorsagia circumcincta</em> predominated, although, for the first time, single specimens of <em>Spiculopteragia boehmi (Gebauer,1932)</em> and a male nematode with morphology suggestive of <em>Ostertagia arctica</em>, a minor morph of <em>O. gruehneri</em>, were detected. <em>Trichostrongylus axei</em> was not detected. Trichostrongylidae and <em>Aonchotheca</em> egg prevalence was 35 % (mean abundance eggs per gram, EPG, 12, mean intensity 33 EPG) and 23 % (mean abundance 8 EPG; mean intensity 34 EPG) respectively. No faecal larvae were detected. There were geographic as well as sex related differences in abundance. Trichostrongylidae eggs prevalence, but not abundance, was higher in 2018 compared to 2005, and an opposite trend with abomasal nematode counts was seen. Reindeer in Iceland still have a low prevalence and abundance of GINs, dominated by <em>T. circumcincta</em>. The monitoring of GIN in this population provides a simple means of evaluating population health in a time with changing climate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101163"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570743","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}
Hemoprotozoa are blood-borne protists with complex life cycles. Despite their high prevalence, diversity of hemoprotozoa in reptiles remains poorly documented. We analyzed blood smears, histopathology, and PCR-amplified 18S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) sequences from ten reptiles representing five species imported into Taiwan. In Varanus macraei, elongated intraerythrocytic gamonts and hepatic merogonic stages were documented. The near full-length 18S sequence formed a deeply divergent lineage consistent with a novel taxon, for which we propose Hepatozoon macraei sp. nov. In Ctenosaura quinquecarinata and Ctenosaura similis, hemococcidian sporozoites were identified morphologically. Based on 18S rDNA phylogenetic inference, the lineages derived from C. quinquecarinata were placed within Lankesterella. In addition, all haplotypes from C. quinquecarinata clustered with a previously reported C. similis lineage based on COI phylogenetic inference. In C. quinquecarinata, intraerythrocytic Hepatozoon were present, and 18S phylogenies formed a well-supported clade closest to H. ophisauri. In Basiliscus plumifrons, trophozoites and meronts of Plasmodium were detected. Analyses of partial 18S rRNA and COI sequences each placed the newly generated Plasmodium sequence as a separate lineage that did not cluster with available reference sequences. In Stigmochelys pardalis, intraerythrocytic gamonts matched Hepatozoon fitzsimonsi morphologically and phylogenetically, representing the first record from Taiwan. The current study provides molecular and morphological evidence of multiple hemoprotozoan genera infecting reptilian pets in Taiwan, highlighting the need for further investigation into the diversity, host-pathogen relationships, and potential impacts on native herpetofauna in the global exotic pet trade.
{"title":"Molecular and morphological characterization of hemoprotozoan infections in imported reptiles in Taiwan","authors":"Yen-Chi Chang , Tai-Shen Lin , Wei-Wen Huang , Yi-Hsiang Huang , Cheng-Hsin Shih , Ying-Chen Wu , Chiu-Chen Huang , Ter-Hsin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101164","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101164","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hemoprotozoa are blood-borne protists with complex life cycles. Despite their high prevalence, diversity of hemoprotozoa in reptiles remains poorly documented. We analyzed blood smears, histopathology, and PCR-amplified 18S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (<em>COI</em>) sequences from ten reptiles representing five species imported into Taiwan. In <em>Varanus macraei,</em> elongated intraerythrocytic gamonts and hepatic merogonic stages were documented. The near full-length 18S sequence formed a deeply divergent lineage consistent with a novel taxon, for which we propose <em>Hepatozoon macraei</em> sp. nov. In <em>Ctenosaura quinquecarinata</em> and <em>Ctenosaura similis</em>, hemococcidian sporozoites were identified morphologically. Based on 18S rDNA phylogenetic inference, the lineages derived from <em>C. quinquecarinata</em> were placed within <em>Lankesterella</em>. In addition, all haplotypes from <em>C. quinquecarinata</em> clustered with a previously reported <em>C. similis</em> lineage based on <em>COI</em> phylogenetic inference. In <em>C. quinquecarinata</em>, intraerythrocytic <em>Hepatozoon</em> were present, and 18S phylogenies formed a well-supported clade closest to <em>H. ophisauri</em>. In <em>Basiliscus plumifrons</em>, trophozoites and meronts of <em>Plasmodium</em> were detected. Analyses of partial 18S rRNA and <em>COI</em> sequences each placed the newly generated <em>Plasmodium</em> sequence as a separate lineage that did not cluster with available reference sequences. In <em>Stigmochelys pardalis</em>, intraerythrocytic gamonts matched <em>Hepatozoon fitzsimonsi</em> morphologically and phylogenetically, representing the first record from Taiwan. The current study provides molecular and morphological evidence of multiple hemoprotozoan genera infecting reptilian pets in Taiwan, highlighting the need for further investigation into the diversity, host-pathogen relationships, and potential impacts on native herpetofauna in the global exotic pet trade.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101164"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570813","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101159
Avery L. Korns , Karmen Unterwegner , Adam J. Weiss , Philip Tchindebet Oaukou , Hubert Zirimwabagabo , Richard B. Chandler , Dana J. Morin , Michael J. Yabsley , Christopher A. Cleveland
Since 2012, Guinea worm (GW – Dracunculus medinensis) infections in animals have complicated the Guinea worm Eradication Program's (GWEP) goal to eradicate this parasite. Increased infections in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) have been a concern. Detections of infections in wild felids from Chad and olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Ethiopia highlight a significant knowledge gap concerning the role of wildlife in GW transmission. Furthermore, little is known about the diversity of wildlife surrounding villages in Chad and what role these animals may play in GW transmission. We aimed to provide data on the community composition of wildlife surrounding Chadian villages by deploying game cameras to monitor terrestrial wildlife at study sites in the Sarh region of southern Chad. Seven villages were chosen for game camera deployment based on accessibility, spatial independence, and GW disease (GWD) endemicity. Villages were classified by GW transmission levels as either endemic, sporadic, or negative based on reports during a previous surveillance study. Eight game cameras were deployed per village from February–November 2019. A total of 32 mammalian species were recorded from 9280 trap nights. Our results indicate higher wildlife diversity surrounding villages with GWD. Specifically, we found a higher detection of primates and meso-mammals surrounding villages with consistent reports of Guinea worm infections. Single-season occupancy models were fit for the following species: tantalus monkeys (Chlorocebus tantalus), patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas), Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), and pale fox (Vulpes pallida). Occupancy of tantalus monkeys, patas monkeys, and Egyptian mongoose was greater in endemic and sporadic villages than villages with no reported cases of GWD. While wildlife host competency remains unknown, our results provide documentation on the wildlife species present around villages in Sarh, Chad, a step towards increasing the understanding wildlife may potentially play in the transmission of GW.
{"title":"Evaluating wildlife community composition around villages with varying Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) transmission in Chad, Africa","authors":"Avery L. Korns , Karmen Unterwegner , Adam J. Weiss , Philip Tchindebet Oaukou , Hubert Zirimwabagabo , Richard B. Chandler , Dana J. Morin , Michael J. Yabsley , Christopher A. Cleveland","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101159","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101159","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since 2012, Guinea worm (GW – <em>Dracunculus medinensis</em>) infections in animals have complicated the Guinea worm Eradication Program's (GWEP) goal to eradicate this parasite. Increased infections in domestic dogs (<em>Canis lupus familiaris</em>) and cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) have been a concern. Detections of infections in wild felids from Chad and olive baboons (<em>Papio anubis</em>) in Ethiopia highlight a significant knowledge gap concerning the role of wildlife in GW transmission. Furthermore, little is known about the diversity of wildlife surrounding villages in Chad and what role these animals may play in GW transmission. We aimed to provide data on the community composition of wildlife surrounding Chadian villages by deploying game cameras to monitor terrestrial wildlife at study sites in the Sarh region of southern Chad. Seven villages were chosen for game camera deployment based on accessibility, spatial independence, and GW disease (GWD) endemicity. Villages were classified by GW transmission levels as either endemic, sporadic, or negative based on reports during a previous surveillance study. Eight game cameras were deployed per village from February–November 2019. A total of 32 mammalian species were recorded from 9280 trap nights. Our results indicate higher wildlife diversity surrounding villages with GWD. Specifically, we found a higher detection of primates and meso-mammals surrounding villages with consistent reports of Guinea worm infections. Single-season occupancy models were fit for the following species: tantalus monkeys (<em>Chlorocebus tantalus</em>), patas monkeys (<em>Erythrocebus patas</em>), Egyptian mongoose (<em>Herpestes ichneumon</em>), and pale fox (<em>Vulpes pallida</em>). Occupancy of tantalus monkeys, patas monkeys, and Egyptian mongoose was greater in endemic and sporadic villages than villages with no reported cases of GWD. While wildlife host competency remains unknown, our results provide documentation on the wildlife species present around villages in Sarh, Chad, a step towards increasing the understanding wildlife may potentially play in the transmission of GW.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101159"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145570814","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 : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101158
Maciej Grobelski , Michał Kułakowski , Karolina Górzyńska
Fungi associated with aquatic invertebrates remain poorly characterized, particularly those inhabiting leeches (Hirudinea), which are key components of freshwater ecosystems. In this study, the fungal communities associated with five species of glossiphoniid leeches were investigated, and isolates were obtained and compared from internal tissues and the body surface. In total, 19 fungal species were identified, including plant pathogens (e.g., Cadophora luteo-olivacea, Comoclathris typhicola, Plectosphaerella plurivora) and opportunistic human pathogens (e.g., Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Mucor circinelloides, Arthroderma sp.). Notably, Papiliotrema aurea, a fungus known to infect invertebrate tissues, was detected inside Glossiphonia complanata. The occurrence of several taxa both in the surrounding water and on leeches suggests that leeches may act as vectors of fungal dispersal in aquatic ecosystems. The results highlight the importance of leeches not only as potential dispersal agents of plant pathogens, which may affect vegetation and aquaculture, but also as reservoirs of opportunistic human pathogens.
{"title":"Hidden highways: fungi associated with glossiphoniid leeches","authors":"Maciej Grobelski , Michał Kułakowski , Karolina Górzyńska","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101158","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101158","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fungi associated with aquatic invertebrates remain poorly characterized, particularly those inhabiting leeches (Hirudinea), which are key components of freshwater ecosystems. In this study, the fungal communities associated with five species of glossiphoniid leeches were investigated, and isolates were obtained and compared from internal tissues and the body surface. In total, 19 fungal species were identified, including plant pathogens (e.g., <em>Cadophora luteo-olivacea</em>, <em>Comoclathris typhicola</em>, <em>Plectosphaerella plurivora</em>) and opportunistic human pathogens (e.g., <em>Meyerozyma guilliermondii</em>, <em>Mucor circinelloides</em>, <em>Arthroderma</em> sp.). Notably, <em>Papiliotrema aurea</em>, a fungus known to infect invertebrate tissues, was detected inside <em>Glossiphonia complanata</em>. The occurrence of several taxa both in the surrounding water and on leeches suggests that leeches may act as vectors of fungal dispersal in aquatic ecosystems. The results highlight the importance of leeches not only as potential dispersal agents of plant pathogens, which may affect vegetation and aquaculture, but also as reservoirs of opportunistic human pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519408","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.2025.101157
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}
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