Bangladesh, one of the top fish-producing countries in South Asia, has made significant progress in inland and marine fisheries and aquaculture in recent years. Parasitic infections in fish remain a major challenge and a threat to fish abundance and biodiversity. Fishes are affected by both external and internal parasites, with helminths being the most common. These parasites can affect fish growth, survival, and marketability and can pose a risk of fish-borne zoonosis. In recent years, global concern about food safety and security has remained high. Bangladesh is expanding its global fish and fish product exports, where fishbone parasites, particularly zoonotic helminths, are a major concern. But the occurrence and distribution of helminth parasites in Bangladeshi fish are not well documented due to lack of data. This study therefore aimed to gather and summarise the available data on helminth occurrence in fishes in Bangladesh using a systematic approach. Relevant articles were retrieved from five electronic databases/repositories, including PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 55 articles were included in this review that reported helminth infections in 68 species of marine and inland fish, 50 families, and 96 genera of helminths, including acanthocephalans, cestodes, monogeneans, nematodes, and trematodes. Notably, 31 genera were considered to have zoonotic relevance. These findings suggest that collective measures should be taken, including implementing a parasitic disease control plan in aquaculture practices and raising public awareness about fishbone helminths in Bangladesh. Additionally, a collaborative approach should be adopted with neighbouring regions to combat this issue.
BACKGROUND:Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) cause a wide range of diseases. No studies have been performed on the prevalence of CVBPs in shelter dogs in Cyprus, despite the regular exporting of dogs from Cypriot shelters for rehoming. METHODS:From August 2017 to August 2019, a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in dogs from three shelters in Cyprus. Quantitative PCRs for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp), Mycoplasma haemocanis, Leishmania spp. and Babesia spp. and conventional PCRs and sequencing for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were performed on DNA extracted from EDTA blood samples. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify any risk factors associated with CVBPs PCR-positive status. RESULTS:Of samples collected from 145 dogs, eight were excluded from further analysis due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Of the remaining 137, 76 (55.5%) were PCR-positive for at least one CVBPs, of which 21 dogs had more than one pathogen. The infections comprised 62/137 (45.3%) Hepatozoon canis, 14/137 (10.2%) Anaplasma platys, 13/137 (9.5%) M. haemocanis, 9/137 (6.6%) Leishmania spp., and 2/137 (1.5%) CMhp. All dogs tested negative for Babesia spp.. Regression analysis showed that positive-PCR status for A. platys was positively associated with the presence of ectoparasites, co-infection with H. canis, and the shelter being located in Paphos compared to the shelters in Nicosia, whilst age was positively associated with M. haemocanis positive-PCR status. CONCLUSIONS:The overall prevalence of CVBPs is high in Cypriot shelter dogs, including some with zoonotic potential. CVBPs pose a threat to the canine population in Cyprus, and further action is needed by local carers and veterinary authorities to contain their spread by limiting exportation or ensuring testing before travelling for export to avoid infection spread by the movement of dogs.
The aim of this study was to detect genomic regions and genes associated with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) resistance in Pelibuey sheep, based in deworming necessity (NOD) estimated by fecal egg count (FEC). During a ten-months period, deworming criterion was based on GIN eggs per gram (EPG), then animals exceeding 1000 EPG were dewormed, and individuals were classified as cases (dewormed at least once) or controls (non-deworming at all). Animals were genotyped with the GGP Ovine50k genome profiler microarray. Quality control of dataset and case-control GWAS were carried to identify associated candidate genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL). Two genome-wide strongly associated SNPs were detected on chromosomes 2 and 3, located near FEC associated QTLs and immune-related genes: GALNT6, KLRK1, KLRD1, CLEC1B, FGF13, TMEM52B, OLR1, and CLEC7A. The identified genes are involved in key defense mechanisms such as mucus synthesis, immune signaling, and natural-killer cell activation, supporting their relevance as candidate genes for GIN-resistance selection in Pelibuey hair-sheep.
Toxocara spp. are zoonotic parasites that cause toxocariasis in humans. In Vietnam, information on these parasites is fragmented, and many local reports remain inaccessible to the international research community. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess the distribution and prevalence, and to estimate the true prevalence of Toxocara spp. in humans, dogs, and cats in Vietnam. The true prevalence was estimated using a Bayesian approach based on diagnostic test characteristics used in each published study. Of 766 studies screened, 58 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, including 109,597 humans, 8067 dogs, and 1034 cats. The pooled true prevalence was estimated at 38.5% (95% CI: 31.4-45.5) in humans, 42.3% (95% CI: 30.3-54.2) in dogs, and 50.1% (95% CI: 26.7-73.5) in cats. While numerous studies reported seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in humans, data on Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats were limited. ELISA was employed in all included human studies to detect antibodies against Toxocara spp. larvae in humans, and the estimated true prevalence was largely consistent with the apparent prevalence, reflecting the test's assumed accuracy rather than definitive proof. Microscopic examination in dogs and cats likely underestimates the parasite prevalence due to limited sensitivity. The high prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats highlights a significant public health concern, particularly given the inadequate management of dog and cat feces. These findings highlight the need for One Health strategies to control Toxocara spp. and reduce its burden in Vietnam.
Eustrongylides spp. are helminths with a multiple-host life cycle that can infect aquatic oligochaetes, various freshwater fish, fish-eating birds, and accidental mammalian hosts, including humans. This work aimed to morphologically and molecularly characterize the larval stages of Eustrongylides spp. isolated from European perch, and to outline the oxidative/nitrosative stress and histoarchitecture changes induced by active larval migration or tissue-encapsulation. Eighty Perca fluviatilis were collected from the Volga River (Astrakhan, Russia). Thirty-seven were tentatively grouped as infected based on the grossly visible Eustrongylides larvae in the oral cavity, gills, axial muscles, and internal viscera. The nematodes were examined microscopically and characterized at the molecular level by PCR amplification of nuclear small-subunit ribosomal RNA (nSSU-rRNA) gene fragments, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Affected organs were evaluated for redox/ nitrosative status and histopathological tissue injury. Fifteen healthy fish were selected as controls. Morphological examination identified the isolated nematodes as Eustrongylides sp., which were subsequently identified as Eustrongylides excisus (E. excisus) by molecular analysis, contributing to an infection rate of 46.25% (37/80). E. excisus was identified based on 100% sequence identity with available GenBank references, although the 18S rRNA marker provides limited species-level identification. Our findings demonstrate that E. excisus infection triggers a significant shift in the host's oxidative and nitrosative burden. This oxidative-inflammatory response leads to marked pathological changes in affected organs, including blood vessel dilation, mononuclear cell infiltration, vacuolar degeneration, and necrosis. Ultimately, these larvae induce severe cellular damage in fish muscle and visceral organs, disrupting cellular integrity essential to normal physiological function.
A flock of four backyard Japanese quail were submitted to the Pennsylvania State University Animal Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy due to acute onset of lethargy and neurologic signs (i.e., torticollis) in July 2025. No gross lesions were appreciated, but severe, multifocal necrosis and lymphocytic perivascular cuffing with intralesional nematode larvae were found on histologic evaluation of cerebrum sections. Morphologic features, including paired lateral alae and excretory columns, suggested Baylisascaris spp. larvae. Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) brain scrolls were positive for Baylisascaris spp. by PCR, with further molecular sequencing identifying 97.89% similarity to Baylisascaris procyonis and Baylisascaris columnaris. Baylisascaris species are intestinal roundworms in their corresponding definitive hosts, but in incidental hosts, including humans, cause neural, visceral, and ocular disease due to larval migration. The acute 1-week onset of neurologic signs after placement in an outdoor coop with frequent raccoon sightings is consistent with B. procyonis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published case of baylisascariasis in backyard poultry. This case demonstrates the risks associated with housing birds outside in urban-suburban areas with large raccoon populations. The case also emphasizes the importance of client education regarding bird husbandry and zoonotic risks.
Lagochilascariosis is a rare and neglected zoonotic helminthiasis caused by Lagochilascaris spp., in which domestic and wild carnivores and humans act as definitive hosts. Among the six described species, Lagochilascaris minor is the only one known to infect humans. Clinically, the disease is characterized by nodular lesions, mainly in the cervical region, often associated with purulent exudate, and it occurs throughout the Neotropical region. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of lagochilascariosis in animals and humans and to report the first case of L. minor infection in a domestic cat from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Data from the last 20 years were retrieved from MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, SciELO, and CABI, revealing that most reports originated from South America, particularly Brazil. The case involved a male cat rescued in Lages, Santa Catarina, presenting multiple cervical nodules with fistulization and drainage of purulent exudate containing adult parasites. Diagnosis was established by morphological, molecular and coproparasitological analyses, confirming L. minor. This report expands the known geographic distribution of the parasite and highlights the importance of including lagochilascariosis in the differential diagnosis of chronic nodular lesions in cats, reinforcing its relevance to animal and public health.
The interaction between dogs and humans has increased significantly. This close contact could affect people's health by transmitting zoonotic parasites present in canine stools. Parks and public squares are places of contact with these agents. In this context, this work aimed to characterize the occurrence of zoonotic risk endoparasites in canine stool collected from the main urban parks of Gran Santiago and to determine whether spatial clusters were present among the detected parasites. For this, 468 stool samples were collected from 26 urban parks, and each sample was analyzed using the modified Telemann method and Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Zoonotic endoparasites were detected in all 26 urban parks (100%). Of the total analyzed samples, 145 (31.0%) were positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite with potential zoonotic risk, identifying the following genera and species: Giardia sp. (12.2%), Toxocara spp. (9.6%), Cryptosporidium sp. (6.2%), Toxascaris leonina (3.2%), Cestode-like egg (2.6%), Ancylostomatidae eggs (1.7%), and Dipylidium caninum (0.9%). The highest infestation rates were recorded in parks in the northwest sector (Cerro Navia, Renca, and Estación Central) and the central sector (Santiago, San Miguel, and San Joaquín) of the sampled area. Local clustering of positive samples was assessed using the Bernoulli model of the spatial scan statistic for each parasite species detected, considering a purely spatial cluster analysis, showing statistically significant high-risk clusters only for Giardia sp. (RR = 2.96; p-value = 0.050) and Cryptosporidium sp. (RR = 6.60; p-value = 0.004). These results show a wide distribution of parasitic stages with zoonotic risk in the urban parks of Gran Santiago. In addition, there was an increase in the incidence of protozoan infections, such as Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium spp., compared with previous studies, and the detection of high-risk spatial clusters. These results suggest a potential risk to public health and a change in the prevalence and distribution of parasites, which should be monitored regularly.
The soft tick Carios vespertilionis is a nidicolous ectoparasite of bats with a wide Old World distribution, yet its occurrence in Belarus remains poorly documented. This study provides the first detailed account of C. vespertilionis in Belarus based on field surveys conducted between 2020 and 2023, supplemented by two additional records from a private collection. In total, 1113 bats representing 16 species were considered, including 1111 field-sampled individuals of 15 species. Carios vespertilionis was recorded at 23 localities in 16 districts of five regions of Belarus. Across all records, 297 larval specimens were collected from 68 bats belonging to seven host species. The largest numbers of infested bats and collected larvae were recorded on Pipistrellus pygmaeus and P. nathusii; additional records were obtained from Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula, Vespertilio murinus, Plecotus auritus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus. The highest infestation loads were recorded on Pipistrellus nathusii and P. pygmaeus, with up to 12 larvae on a single host. Overall prevalence in the field sample was 5.9%, and mean intensity was 4.4 larvae per infested host. The species is currently documented in Brest, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, and Mogilev regions; no records were obtained from the surveyed localities in Vitebsk Region. These findings substantially expand the known distribution of C. vespertilionis in Belarus and provide new data on its host associations and infestation parameters.
Cats are considered potential sentinels for zoonotic diseases due to their close contact with humans, wide urban distribution, and frequent exposure to pathogens. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. IgG antibodies and investigate risk factors associated with infection in household and stray cats in the city of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. A total of 366 serum samples were analyzed, comprising 267 from household cats and 99 from stray cats. The Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) was used as the serological test, adopting a cutoff titer of ≥40, with serum samples diluted from 1:40 to 1:640. Overall, 16.4% (60/366; 95% CI: 12.6-20.1) of the animals tested positive. Multivariate analysis indicated that stray status was a significant risk factor for seroreactivity to Leishmania spp. (OR = 3.08; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.72-5.50). Spatial analysis revealed that all seropositive cats were located in the urban area of Maceió, with a concentration in more densely populated neighborhoods, whereas the coastal region showed fewer cases. These findings highlight the potential epidemiological role of cats in endemic settings, reinforce the importance of active surveillance strategies, particularly in densely populated urban areas, and suggest that feline serological monitoring may serve as a useful indicator of environmental exposure to Leishmania spp., although their role as reservoirs remains to be fully elucidated.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats is mostly subclinical. Systemic disease usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals. This report describes an unusual systemic toxoplasmosis, presenting as parasitic arthritis in an adult 14-year-old neutered male indoor domestic shorthair cat, with no identifiable cause of immunosuppression, and referred for lethargy, anorexia, and fever. Laboratory abnormalities included non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased serum amyloid A concentration, and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. With persistent discomfort on palpation of the pelvic region and hind limb joints, synovial fluid was aspirated from the left carpus, elbow, and tarsus, and cytological analysis supported inflammatory polyarthritis. Additionally, the elbow joint fluid showed free crescent-shaped organisms, morphologically resembling T. gondii tachyzoites. Serum anti-T. gondii IgG titer was initially 1:256 (cut-off titer, 1:50), although this was insufficient to confirm active infection. Whole-blood T. gondii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative. The cat markedly improved with amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin and supportive treatment. Two weeks later, serum anti-T. gondii IgG titer increased fourfold (1:1024), confirming seroconversion and active systemic toxoplasmosis. The infection likely triggered secondary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (sIMT) and hemophagocytic syndrome, which improved following antibiotic therapy. T. gondii-associated immune thrombocytopenic purpura is reported in humans, but to our knowledge, never in cats. This case highlights the diagnostic value of synovial fluid cytology and seroconversion in feline systemic toxoplasmosis. Negative blood PCR test should not exclude active infection. Toxoplasmosis should be considered in cats presenting with fever of unknown origin, polyarthritis, or unexplained hyperglobulinemia, regardless of the immune status or lifestyle.
Dicrocoelium dendriticum is a globally distributed trematode that infects the bile ducts of ruminants and causes dicrocoeliasis, leading to economic losses in livestock production. Despite favorable ecological conditions, its presence in cattle had not previously reported in Palestine. This short communication reports the first detection and characterization of D. dendriticum in cattle from the West Bank, Palestine. Adult flukes were recovered from bile ducts during routine post-mortem inspection at Al-Bireh slaughterhouse and identified based on morphological characteristics. Molecular confirmation was performed using PCR analysis targeting the mitochondrial NAD1 gene, followed by sequencing and BLAST analysis, which showed 100% identity with reference D. dendriticum sequences in GenBank. The combined morphological and molecular findings confirm the occurrence of D. dendriticum in cattle in Palestine. These results provide baseline data for the regional epidemiology of dicrocoeliasis and highlight the need for broader parasitological and molecular surveillance in livestock to assess prevalence, genetic diversity and potential economic and public health implications.
Theileria spp. are tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasites that infect a variety of mammalian species. Although several species of Theileria infect ungulates of North America, from a historical perspective, reports of clinical disease are relatively sporadic. Herein we report an outbreak of theileriosis in captive deer following transport from Illinois to Iowa, USA. Although the facility housed both whitetail and mule deer, only mule deer were affected clinically by lethargy, anorexia, and anemia. Post-mortem examination revealed pleural effusion, mucous membrane pallor, and splenomegaly. Microscopically, there was evidence of erythrocyte degradation in multiple organs. Evaluation of blood smears revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasm-like organisms. Collection of ticks from the affected premises yielded a mixed population of Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of DNA from ticks and affected deer was consistent with Theileria cervi. Although T. cervi appears to be an infrequent cause of disease in North American cervids it is possible that animals develop immunity to local variants which is ineffective upon transport to an area with other isolates. Our findings, in combination with previous reports, indicate that mule deer may be more susceptible to isolates of T. cervi in areas outside of mule deer's native range. T. cervi should be considered as a differential diagnosis for anemia in cervids, particularly those transported and introduced to new habitats or populations of ticks in North America.
This study examines the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among three canid populations in Pennsylvania: companion domestic dogs, domestic dogs involved in hunting activities, and wild canids (red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and coyote (Canis latrans)). Using a broad qPCR panel (Keyscreen™ GI Parasite PCR), we analyzed 26,981 companion dog samples, 59 hunting dog samples, and 262 wild canid samples to determine parasite diversity and prevalence. The PCR panel detected significant differences in parasite prevalence among the three populations with wild canids showing the highest overall parasite prevalence. The study demonstrates the utility of molecular diagnostic techniques for parasite surveillance and discusses implications for understanding zoonotic disease risk, ecological patterns, and public health considerations. Our findings highlight the complex dynamics of parasite transmission between wild and domestic canids and emphasize the importance of regular parasite screening in animals with potential wildlife exposure.
Anisakis pegreffii Campana-Rouget & Biocca, 1955 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) is a zoonotic nematode of increasing public health concern, particularly in regions where raw or lightly processed fish is traditionally consumed. This study provides the first molecular evidence of A. pegreffii infection in the Pacific drum, Larimus pacificus Jordan & Bollman, 1890 (Eupercaria: Sciaenidae), a neritic fish species endemic to the eastern Pacific and frequently sold in local markets along the northern Peruvian coast. A total of 78 specimens of L. pacificus were collected from northern Peruvian waters and examined for anisakid larvae. Seventy-six third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered from the viscera and muscle tissues of 46.15% of hosts. The mean intensity was 1.5 ± 0.69 and the mean abundance was 0.72 ± 0.91. DNA was extracted from representative larvae and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (cox2) gene was amplified and sequenced. All sequences showed high similarity (99.19-100%) to reference sequences of A. pegreffii in GenBank (OR192867, OR192867, MZ546440, DQ116428), confirming the species identity. Phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches grouped Peruvian isolates within a strongly supported clade of A. pegreffii, together with sequences from Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758 (Cetartiodactyla: Delphinidae) from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and marine fish from the southeastern Pacific. Genetic distances among Peruvian sequences and reference specimens were low (0.37-1.85%), indicating limited intraspecific variation. These findings constitute the first record of A. pegreffii en L. pacificus and underscore the importance of continued surveillance and food safety measures in artisanal fisheries.
Parasitosis in companion animals are of great importance and there are species of zoonotic character, since they affect humans. The large number of dogs, including a significant proportion of stray animals, contributes to the spread of infectious agents in the environment, increasing the human population's exposure. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths in stray dogs through post-mortem inspection. A total of 266 small intestinal samples were obtained from dogs captured and euthanized at the Centro de Control Canino y Felino at the Miguel Hidalgo Neighborhood from Tlahuac District in Mexico City during the months of February-August. The results showed that 99 (37.2%) of the dogs examined had the presence of at least one type of parasite. Of the 99 dogs, 85 (85.9%) of them had single infection, while 12 (12.1%) had double infection, and 2 (2%) had triple infection. Among the helminths recovered, A. caninum (P < 0.05) was the only nematode recovered in 36 (36.4%) dogs, while D. caninum and T. pisiformis cestodes (P < 0.05) were obtained in 68 (68.7%) and 11 (11.1%) dogs; respectively. Double infections (12.1%) occurred in 12 dogs, of which 11 (91.7%) had A. caninum-D. caninum association and 1 (8.3%) had D. caninum-T. pisiformis association. In relation to triple infections, presented in two of the dogs, A. caninum-D. caninum-T. pisiformis association was present in both (100%). The highest prevalence rate for A. caninum was recorded in February with 29.8% (17/57), while for D. caninum was recorded in August with 30% (12/40), and for T. pisiformis was recorded in March with 11.1% (6/54).. The presence of mixed infections highlights environmental contamination in the sampling region, emphasizing the importance of parasite control to prevent transmission to humans at high risk of contracting infections caused by D. caninum and A. caninum.
Endemic transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis, primarily caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana complex, has become increasingly recognized in the southcentral USA. Veterinary species could play a role in the epidemiology of L. (L.) mexicana in the USA, and feline cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. (L.) mexicana has been reported in Texas, overlapping in distribution with human incidence. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate high-risk cats from shelters in Texas and Oklahoma for infection with Leishmania spp. by qPCR. Tissue samples were opportunistically collected post-mortem from 213 domestic cats under shelter jurisdiction in Texas (n = 182) and Oklahoma (n = 31) between June and August 2025. Four tissue samples were collected from each cat including skin, spleen, mesenteric lymph node, and bone marrow. Demographic information including animal location, sex, age, breed, and the presence of cutaneous lesions were recorded to evaluate potential risk factors of infection. Genomic DNA was extracted from each tissue sample and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA by a probe-based qPCR targeting a conserved fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. The qPCR assay was validated for the detection of Leishmania DNA using a skin biopsy sample from a cat with naturally-acquired cutaneous leishmaniasis and originating from Quintana Roo State, Mexico. Assay validation confirmed the qPCR assay's ability to amplify L. mexicana DNA within feline tissue. The surveyed feline population from Texas and Oklahoma included 52.1% males and 47.9% females, with age group distribution of <3 months (45.5%), 3-6 months (8.5%), 6 months-1 year (7.0%), and > 1 year (39.0%). A small proportion of cats, 5.2%, had cutaneous lesions. Leishmania spp. DNA was not detected in tissue samples from any cat. In the absence of positive samples, further evaluation of risk factors was not performed. This study is the largest survey for Leishmania spp. infection in domestic cats in the southcentral USA, and the only survey to include cats from counties beyond El Paso, Texas, located along the Mexican border. Though Leishmania spp. was not detected in cats surveyed in this study, the role of cats in the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in this region should not yet be discounted. Further studies including a larger population size, older animals, more sampling locations, or the addition of serological testing may strengthen our epidemiological understanding and help to overcome limitations of this study.
Feline dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis represents a diagnostic and clinical challenge in veterinary medicine. Heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) is one of the clinical manifestations observed in infected cats. In many cases, cats may die suddenly without suggestive clinical signs. This report describes the first natural D. immitis infection in a cat from the state of Pernambuco, and provides an update on the geographic distribution of this infection in domestic felines in Brazil. In June 2024, the body of a cat that had died suddenly was submitted for necropsy. The main findings included interstitial pneumonia, characterized by a smooth, red, and shiny pulmonary surface, with irregular, darker areas in the cranial lobes. Blood‑tinged material extended from the bronchial region to the trachea. Five filarioid nematodes were found in the pulmonary artery. The parasites were submitted for molecular identification via amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. The sequences showed 100% identity with D. immitis in the GenBank database. These findings underscore the importance of implementing preventive measures in cat populations residing in endemic areas to mitigate the risk of infection.
Tick-borne diseases represent important illnesses in dogs, but information about their occurrence in some regions of northeastern Brazil is still limited. Considering the possible differences in the distribution of these agents among the various regions of the country, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon spp., and Borrelia spp., as well as factors associated with these infections in urban dogs from the Brejo Paraibano microregion. To this end, canine blood samples were analyzed using TaqMan real-time PCR protocols or conventional PCR. Overall, of the 398 dogs sampled 109 (27.3%) tested positive for at least one of the four pathogens investigated. Deeming each pathogen, B. vogeli was detected in 25 animals, E. canis in 32, and Hepatozoon spp. in 71, the latter confirmed as H. canis by DNA sequencing in at least 10 dogs. Borrelia spp. was not detected in any dog. After multivariate analysis, for B. vogeli, the presence of apathy (P = 0.034), anemia (P = 0.035), and high tick infestation (P = 0.017) were associated. No variable was associated with positivity for E. canis (P > 0.05). For Hepatozoon (including H. canis), the ingestion of untreated water (P = 0.002) was associated. The results confirm the circulation of pathogens of veterinary importance in the state, and report, for the first time, the molecular detection of Hepatozoon canis in the state. Furthermore, they provide information on associated factors that contribute to the planning of surveillance and control measures in the region.
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) comprise a diverse range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths, that are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by various species of arthropod vectors. The present study aimed to report the first data on the prevalence of VBPs in domestic cats in Kosovo and investigate associations with potential risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 107 domestic cats between April and October 2024 and preserved on filter papers. Samples were screened for VBPs, including Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Bartonella spp., Filarioidea, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Trypanosoma spp., using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequence analysis. Haemotropic mycoplasma DNA was detected in 9 cats (8.4%, 95% CI: 4.2-15.8). Of the sequences obtained, three were identified as Mycoplasma haemofelis and six as Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum. The samples resulted negative for the presence of DNA from other VBPs. Significant variations in infection prevalence were associated with age, sex, outdoor access, and health status. This study provides the first molecular detection of Mycoplasma spp. infection in domestic cats from the capital region, Prishtina, and contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this pathogen in the local feline population, which is essential for the development of effective preventive and control strategies.
