Climate change, globalisation, and land use transformation are driving the redistribution of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae), with urban areas becoming hotspots for both native and invasive taxa. This study assessed mosquito species diversity in Wrocław, SW Poland, based on CDC trap collections from 14 sites between May and October 2024. A total of 17,104 adult mosquitoes were collected, of which 16,728 (97.8%) were identified to species level. Fifteen species across five genera were recorded, with Aedes vexans dominating the assemblage (68.7%), followed by Coquillettidia richiardii (9.8%). Molecular analyses confirmed all morphologically identified species. Mosquito abundance peaked in July and August, although some locations showed earlier seasonal maxima. Species such as Ae. vexans, Cq. richiardii, and Culex pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium were present at all sites, while others were more localised. Notably, Culiseta longiareolata, previously unrecorded in Poland, was detected at a single urban site, contributing to recent evidence of a northward shift in its European distribution. Although based on only two individuals, this finding may indicate an early signal of a northward range of extension rather than evidence of established populations. These results underscore the value of continuous urban mosquito surveillance for documenting changes in species composition, detecting potential range shifts, and assessing public health risks under changing environmental conditions.
This study provides the first investigation of the helminth fauna of the common crane (Grus grus) in Ukraine. Fifty cranes were collected in southern Ukraine in February and March 2021 following a mass poisoning event caused by rodenticide brodifacoum. Eleven helminth taxa were identified, including six nematode taxa (Acuariidae gen. sp., Eucoleus obtusiuscula, Physocephalus sexalatus, Porrocaecum ardeae, Strongyloides sp., Tetrameres paradisea), four trematode taxa (Bilharziella polonica, Strigea gruis, Strigea sphaerula, Strigea sp.), and one cestode (Gruitaenia latissima). Four species, namely E. obtusiuscula, T. paradisea, S. gruis, and G. latissima, were reported for the first time in Ukraine. Among the recorded helminths, E. obtusiuscula, T. paradisea, S. gruis, and P. ardeae were the dominant taxa, with prevalence values of 50-88%, mean intensities of 6-25, and mean abundances of 4-20. Additionally, this study provides the first detailed description of the scolex morphology of the cestode G. latissima and the first molecular data for this species, represented by a partial sequence of the mitochondrial nad1 gene. Our findings enrich knowledge of the helminth fauna of the common crane in Eastern Europe and establish reference data for further taxonomical investigations of the genus Gruitaenia.
Ocular myiasis is a relatively rare clinical entity that mainly affects the old and debilitated people with poor hygiene in rural settings and has a strong occupational predisposition. Presented here are two unusual cases of ocular myiasis caused by O. ovis after exposure to dust in young individuals with no history of contact with animals in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Although early presentation meant a mild illness and early resolution, the reporting of the cases from this region may be an indicator of human-environment conflicts.
The southern region of Poland, rich in natural and tourist attractions, encourages outdoor recreation and spending time in nature. Ongoing climate change, including global warming, has contributed to an increased abundance of ticks and an extended period of their seasonal activity. Consequently, the number of tick-borne disease cases continues to rise, and their diagnosis and treatment are often challenging and prolonged. The aim of this study is to summarize current knowledge on the occurrence of ticks in tourist areas of southern Poland and to raise public health awareness among individuals engaged in tourism and recreation, particularly regarding tick presence and the tick-borne diseases they transmit. To achieve the above goal, a review of available scientific and review articles on tick fauna and their role in the transmission of tick-borne disease pathogens in southern Poland was conducted. Electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were used in the literature analysis. The presence of ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae (Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes vespertilionis), Amblyommidae (Dermacentor reticulatus), and Argasidae (Argas reflexus, Argas polonicus) has been confirmed. In ticks collected from vegetation and humans in southern Poland, the presence of the following pathogens has been confirmed: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Toxoplasma gondii, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Ehrlichia chaffeensis/Ehrlichia muris, Rickettsia spp., and Coxiella burnetii, as well as various coinfections. Knowledge of tick distribution and the pathogens they transmit plays a key role in assessing the risk of human and animal exposure to tick-borne diseases. Equally important is the dissemination of information on preventive strategies and protective measures against tick bites. The presence of ticks in recreational and tourist areas underscores the need for ongoing educational activities concerning ticks and tickborne diseases in southern Poland.
Heartworms, parasitic nematodes, are responsible to cause a potentially life threatening condition, heartworm disease in mammals particularly dogs and cats. The disease is prevalent in warm, humid areas with mosquitoes as intermediate hosts, increases the chances of transmission. This study aimed to investigate heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in pet dogs for the first time in Lahore using morphological, serological and molecular techniques including microscopy, PCR and rapid diagnostic kit tests. Blood samples were tested for antigens, with positive cases further analyzed using microscopy, Polymerase Chain Reaction, X-ray imaging, and echocardiography to detect heart-related changes. Modified Knott's Test, remained a valuable tool for detecting and differentiating microfilariae, particularly when used alongside other diagnostic techniques. The microfilariae was confirmed morphologically through wet mount method but had low sensitivity and requires expertise, while microscopy showed high sensitivity but yielded more false positives compared to PCR. Thoracic radiography revealed characteristic signs of D. immitis infection, but may not show early-stage changes. PCR detected D. immitis in 10% of samples, with positive bands (at 203 bp for specific primers and 450 bp for general primers) observed for both species-specific and general primers. Using these diagnostic techniques improves early detection and treatment of heartworm disease in dogs, setting a new standard for veterinary care in Pakistan.
