This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in alpacas on selected farms in Poland. In July and August 2019 and August 2021, 223 samples from six commercial farms were examined using coproscopic techniques. The total percentage of alpacas infected with intestinal parasites was 57.7%. Eggs of Nematodirus sp. were found in 28.9%, Trichostrongylus sp. in 15.5%, Strongyloides sp. in 13.4%, Camelostrongylus sp. in 11.3%, other strongyle-type in 12.4%, Trichuris sp. in 3.1%, Capillaria spp. in 2.1%, Oesophagostomum sp. in 1.0% and eggs of Moniezia sp. in 1.0% of individuals. Oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis were found in 8.2%, Eimeria sp. in 4.1%, and Cryptosporidium sp. in 3.1% of animals. Redundancy analysis showed that parasites and their number in faeces were related to the individual’s country of origin, sex and age. Females had significantly more eggs of parasites than males. More significant parasite infection was recorded in younger individuals. Moreover, the most infected were individuals from Germany. Some of the described parasites in tested alpacas have zoonotic potential. Due to the possibility of introducing parasites native to alpacas and acquiring species parasitising wild and farmed animals in Europe, permanent veterinary monitoring of animals imported from other regions is necessary.

Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to provide comprehensive information on the prevalence of amphistome infections in domestic ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2023 was conducted. Prevalence estimates and meta-analysis were based on 76 peer-reviewed articles which met the inclusion criteria. Of the 55,122 domestic ruminants screened, 12,858 were infected, and the overall pooled prevalence was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10-37). The highest prevalence was recorded in southern Africa 25% (95% CI, 0-62), and central Africa 16% (95% CI, 0-61) the lowest. Cattle were the most frequently sampled hosts (76.56%, n = 42,202) and sheep (8.78%, n = 4838) the lowest, and cattle recorded the highest pooled prevalence of 28% (95% CI, 12-47), and goats the lowest at 5% (95% CI, 0-14). Prevalence rate was the high in males 32% (95% CI, 21-44), adult ruminants 37% (95% CI, 15-62) and animals with poor body condition 47% (95% CI, 34-60), and during the wet season 36% (95% CI, 0-94). The highest pooled prevalence was recorded at postmortem 23% (95% CI, 8-43) compared to coprology 20% (95% CI, 6-39) studies. The meta-regression model demonstrated that the body condition score, host, and period, and the interactions of different factors significantly influenced the prevalence. The lowest prevalence rate was noted for the period between 2013 and 2023. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis in sub-Saharan Africa that provides a comprehensive review of the prevalence of amphistome infections in domestic ruminants in the past 20 years.

The two stork species that nest in Central Europe, Ciconia ciconia and Ciconia nigra, have been repeatedly shown to host the digenetic trematode Cathaemasia hians (Rudolphi, 1809) in their esophagus and muscular stomach. These host species differ in their habitat and food preferences, and the morphologic characters of C. hians isolates ex Ci. nigra and Ci. ciconia are not identical. These differences led to a previous proposal of two subspecies, Cathaemasia hians longivitellata Macko, 1960, and Cathaemasia hians hians Macko, 1960. We hypothesize that the Cathaemasia hians isolates ex Ci. nigra and Ci. ciconia represent two independent species. Therefore, in the present study, we performed the first molecular analyses of C. hians individuals that were consistent with the diagnosis of C. hians hians (ex Ci. nigra) and C. hians longivitellata (ex Ci. ciconia). The combined molecular and comparative morphological analyses of the central European Cathaemasia individuals ex Ci. nigra and Ci. ciconia led to the proposal of a split of C. hians into C. hians sensu stricto (formerly C. hians hians) and C. longivitellata sp. n. (formerly C. hians longivitellata). Morphological analyses confirmed that the length of the vitellaria is the key identification feature of the two previously mentioned species. Both Cathaemasia spp. substantially differ at the molecular level and have strict host specificity, which might be related to differences in the habitat and food preferences of the two stork species.

The entomopathogenic nematode (EPN), Steinernema yirgalemense, is an effective biological control agent against a variety of important insect pests in South Africa. To develop a South African EPN product feasibly in South Africa, EPNs need to be mass-produced. This study aimed to record the population dynamics of S. yirgalemense with in vitro liquid production in shake flasks, with a protein source of powdered egg yolk. The Erlenmeyer flask results indicated variation between flasks, albeit still achieving high yields. The reasons for attaining such variability in the recovery, yield, and growth stages are unclear, hence requiring further studies seeking to increase consistency. The results obtained indicate that, when IJ recovery is low, yields are also low due to relatively few reproductive adults being present in solution, which, in turn, produces more offspring, which later converts to the desired infective juvenile used for product formulation development. For commercial viability, a consistent production system is required that produces predictable yields. This study showed comparable high yields achieved with the flasks and in an early-stage bioreactor setup, being a positive development for S. yirgalemense mass production. Prior to the bioreactor scale-up process, protocol of mass production, the population and growth dynamics of the nematodes in the flask environment requires understanding. This is a positive step, leading to the future commercialisation of a local EPN product.

Despite a great effort made for almost 90 years, the diversity of freshwater fish trematodes in Mexico is still far from being fully known. The addition of molecular data to the description of trematode diversity in the last two decades added the potential to establish more robust species limits and a more accurate biodiversity estimation, but also led in some instances to the recognition of cryptic species complexes. Here, we used sequences of the large subunit of the nuclear ribosomal gene (28S rRNA) as barcodes, and morphological data, to assess the diversity of freshwater fish trematodes from a lake within a tropical rainforest. Eighty freshwater fish specimens of eight species were studied, and 120 trematode specimens were collected. Morphologically, specimens were allocated into nine genera; molecular phylogenetic analyses along with sequence divergence data provided evidence for recognising 11 trematode taxa, six adults and five metacercariae; six of them were identified to species level. Geographical distribution and host association patterns are briefly discussed for each trematode taxa.

The present study aims to describe a new genus and species of microphalloid digenean parasite of two species of bats of the genus Peropteryx from the Mexican Neotropics (in the states of Chiapas and Yucatán). Morphological and molecular data (28s rDNA ribosomal gene sequences) were used to study Digeneans. Sagittatrema zutzi gen. nov. sp., nov., is diagnosed morphologically by having a sagittiform body, a genital pore in the midline of the body, posterior to the ventral sucker, and a cirrus sac running through much of the diameter of the ventral sucker. The nine sequences generated from the 28S rDNA gene were used to examine the phylogenetic affinities of this new taxon within the superfamily Microphalloidea Ward, 1901, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. Both analyses resulted in trees with similar topologies and formed a well-supported clade (Bt = 100; pp = 1) with the Sagittatrema sequences. Because of the new genus’s phylogenetic position and that some sister families to the proposed taxa, like Pleurogenidae and Prosthogonimidae, are polyphyletic, we prefer to consider Sagittatrema as a genus incertae sedis within Microphalloidea. A full systematic review of microphalloids is needed to confirm their phylogenetic position.

Species-level delineation of digenetic trematodes is complex and can be best achieved by integrative taxonomy using both genetic characterisation and morphological analysis. Two new Bucephalidae species of the genus Rhipidocotyle Diesing, 1858 are described here based on specimens collected from the intestine of Sphyraena putnamae Jordan & Seale following this approach. Adults of R. siphonyaka n. sp. and R. nolwe n. sp. possess tentacles and a tegument with scales. They are distinguished from their congeners by the arrangement of the digestive structures, the extent of the uterus relative to vitelline fields, and the arrangement of the reproductive structures. Rhipidocotyle siphonyaka n. sp. differs from R. nolwe n. sp. in having the pharynx and mouth positioned in the pre-uterine field, tandem testes, longer body length, and shorter pre-vitelline and post-testicular distance. Rhipidocotyle siphonyaka n. sp. differs from its congeners in having a tube-like intestinal caecum, pharynx and mouth opening positioned in the pre-vitelline field. Rhipidocotyle nolwe n. sp. appears to be similar, morphologically and morphometrically, to Rhipidocotyle khalili (Nagaty, 1937). Despite their similarities, R. nolwe n. sp. has a shorter body length and egg size. Moreover, the molecular analysis of 28S and ITS rDNA fragments indicate that R. siphonyaka n. sp. and R. nolwe n. sp. are closely related phylogenetically but distinct from one another and other Bucephalidae for which molecular data are available.

Members of the genus Maritrema Nicoll, 1907 include endoparasites of aquatic birds and mammals, distributed worldwide. Adult specimens were collected from the intestines of three bird species (the great black hawks, Buteogallus urubitinga Gmelin; laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla Linnaeus; and the willet, Tringa semipalmata Gmelin) in three localities along the Gulf of Mexico. Photogenophores were sequenced for the large subunit (LSU) from nuclear rDNA, and the new sequences were aligned with other microphalloid sequences available in GenBank. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses revealed three independent lineages, one corresponding to a previously described species, Maritrema corai Hernández-Orts, Pinacho-Pinacho, García-Varela & Kostadinova, 2016, and two representing two undescribed species. These two new species are described in the current study. Maritrema itzamnai n. sp. can be morphologically differentiated from its four congeneric species occurring in coastal areas of Mexico by having smaller oral (20–29 × 20–38 μm) and ventral (20–39 × 19–33 μm) suckers. In addition, Maritrema itzamnai n. sp. possess annular vitellarium instead of a horseshoe-shaped vitellarium. Maritrema kukulkanni n. sp. can be distinguished from its congeneric species reported from Mexico by possessing a larger oesophagus (44–117μm) and by having a vitellarium distributed in both the hindbody and forebody. Maritrema corai is the third species recorded in this study parasitizing the great black hawk (Buteogallus urubitinga); this represents a new host and locality record, expanding its distribution range from the Mexican Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Three fish blood flukes (Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) infect mullets (Mugiliformes: Mugilidae): Cardicola mugilis Yamaguti, 1970 and Plethorchis acanthus Martin, 1975 infect striped mullet, Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 in the Central Pacific Ocean (Hawaiian Islands) and Brisbane River (Australia), respectively; Cardicola brasiliensis Knoff & Amato, 1992 infects Lebranche mullet, Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836 from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean (Brazil). White mullets were cast-netted from the mouth of Deer River, a coastal saltmarsh of Mobile Bay, in the north-central Gulf of Mexico and examined for blood fluke infections. Specimens of Mugilitrema labowskiae Warren & Bullard n. gen., n. sp. were found infecting the endocardial surface and inter-trabecular spaces of the atrium, ventricle, and bulbous arteriosus. The new genus and species differ from all other aporocotylids by having the combination of two post-caecal testes, a uterus with straight ascending and descending portions, and a common genital pore. The 28S analysis recovered the new species and P. acanthus as sister taxa and Aporocotylidae as monophyletic. Carditis associated with intense infections comprised endocardial hyperplasia, resulting in a thickened cardiac endothelium. Probable dead or deteriorating eggs in the myocardium were encapsulated by granulomas composed of epithelioid histiocytes. Live eggs infected the afferent artery of gill filaments and were associated with varied hyperplasia of the overlying epithelium and haemorrhaging from the afferent artery in high-intensity infections. The new species is the first aporocotylid infecting a mullet from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and only the second description of demonstrable endocarditis attributed to an adult fish blood fluke infection.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are closely associated with Popillia japonica and potentially used as their biological control agents, although field results proved inconsistent and evoked a continual pursuit of native EPNs more adapted to the environment. Therefore, we surveyed the Azorean Archipelago to isolate new strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and to evaluate their virulence against the model organism Galleria mellonella under laboratory conditions. Six strains were obtained from pasture and coastal environments and both nematode and symbiont bacteria were molecularly identified. The bioassays revealed that Az172, Az186, and Az171 presented high virulence across the determination of a lethal dose (LD50) and short exposure time experiments with a comparable performance to Az29. After 72 hours, these virulent strains presented a mean determination of a lethal dose of 11 infective juveniles cm-2, a lethal time (LT50) of 34 hours, and achieved 40% mortality after an initial exposure time of only 60 minutes. Az170 exhibited an intermediate performance, whereas Az179 and Az180 were classified as low virulent strains. However, both strains presented the highest reproductive potential with means of 1700 infective juveniles/mg of larvae. The bioassays of the native EPNs obtained revealed that these strains hold the potential to be used in biological control initiatives targeting P. japonica because of their high virulence and locally adapted to environmental conditions.

During nematode surveys of natural vegetation in forests of La Cima de Copey de Dota, San José, San José province, Costa Rica, a Xenocriconemella species closely resembling X. macrodora and related species was found. Integrative taxonomical approaches demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as X. costaricense sp. nov. The new species is parthenogenetic (only females have been detected) and characterised by a short body (276–404 μm); lip region with two annuli, not offset, not separated from body contour; first lip annulus partially covering the second lip annulus. Stylet thin, very long (113–133 μm) and flexible, occupying 30.5–47.8% of body length. Excretory pore located from one or two annuli anterior to one or two annuli posterior to level of stylet knobs, at 42 (37–45) μm from anterior end. Female genital tract monodelphic, prodelphic, outstretched, and occupying 35–45% of body length, with vagina slightly ventrally curved (14–18 μm long). Anus located 6–11 annuli from the tail terminus. Tail conoid and bluntly rounded terminus, the last 2–3 annuli oriented dorsally. Results of molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analyses of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS, and partial 18S rRNA, as well as cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences further characterised the new species and clearly separated it from X. macrodora and other related species (X. iberica, X. paraiberica, and X. pradense).

Two new species of the genus Sectonema found in northern Iran are characterized, including morphological descriptions and molecular (18S-, 28S-rDNA) analyses. Sectonema tehranense sp. nov. is distinguished by its 7.22 – 8.53 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 24 – 31 μm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, mural tooth 15.5 – 17 μm long at its ventral side, neck 1091 – 1478 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 61 – 71% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 3.9 – 4.2 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 49 – 59), tail short and rounded (44 – 65 μm, c = 99 – 162, c’ = 0.6 – 0.8), spicules 111 – 127 μm long, and 7 – 10 spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Sectonema noshahrense sp. nov. displays a 4.07 – 4.73 mm long body, lip region offset by constriction and 23 – 25 μm wide with perioral lobes and abundant setae- or cilia-like projections covering the oral field, odontostyle 14 – 14.5 μm long, neck 722 – 822 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 66 – 68% of the total neck length, female genital system diovarian, uterus simple and 2.4 – 2.7 times the corresponding body diameter long, transverse vulva (V = 54 – 55), tail convex conoid (39 – 47 μm, c = 91 – 111, c’ = 0.8 – 0.9), spicules 82 μm long, and seven spaced ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Molecular analyses confirm a maximally supported (Epacrolaimus + Metaporcelaimus + Sectonema) clade and a tentative biogeographical pattern, with sequences of Indolamayan taxa forming a clade separated from those of Palearctic ones. Parallel or convergent evolution processes might be involved in the phylogeny of the species currently classified under Sectonema. This genus is certainly more heterogeneous than previously assumed.

Acanthocephalans are a group of obligate endoparasites that alternate between vertebrates and invertebrates to complete their life cycles. Occasionally, the same individual host acts as a definitive or paratenic host for different acanthocephalan species. In this study, acanthocephalans were sampled in marine fish in three localities of the Yucatán Peninsula; adults and cystacanths were recovered from the intestine and body cavity, respectively, of Haemulon plumierii from off the coast of Sisal, Yucatán. Ribosomal DNA sequences (small and large subunits) were used to test the phylogenetic position of the species of the genus Dollfusentis, whereas the mtDNA gene cox 1 was used for assessing species delimitation. The cox 1 analysis revealed an independent genetic lineage, which is recognized herein as a new species, Dollfusentis mayae n. sp. The new species is morphologically distinguished from the other six congeners by having a cylindrical proboscis armed with 22–25 longitudinal rows bearing 12 hooks each. The cystacanths were morphologically identified as Gorgorhynchus medius by having a cylindrical trunk covered with tiny irregular spines on the anterior region, and a cylindrical proboscis armed with 17–18 longitudinal rows of 21 hooks each; small and large subunit phylogenetic analyses yielded G. medius within the family Isthomosacanthidae, suggesting that Gorgorhynchus should be transferred to this family from Rhadinorhynchidae where it is currently allocated.

The epidemiological picture of Taenia saginata infections in Kenya is fragmented with limited available data. Although Sarcocystis species are significant meat-borne parasites, few studies have explored their occurrence in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and screen for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. A meat inspection-based survey was conducted in ten abattoirs in Narok County, Kenya, and inspection for T. saginata cysticerci was limited to the Triceps brachii muscle. The apparent occurrence of the parasite was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.8, 7.6, n=573). Molecular confirmation of T. saginata was done via nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and restricted fragment length polymorphism. Sarcocystis species were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Of the 31 cystic lesions tested, 26/31 (83.9%) were confirmed to be T. saginata. Sarcocystis cruzi and S. hominis were detected in 8/31 (25.8%) and 1/31 (3.2%) of the cystic lesions, respectively. Co-infections of S. cruzi and T. saginata were found in 6/31 lesions (19.4%). The confirmation of bovine cysticercosis and S. hominis is suggestive of the presence of risky culinary and sanitation practices that facilitate transmission. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the country. The presence of both zoonotic S. hominis and pathogenic S. cruzi highlights an underexplored concern of veterinary and human health significance, warranting further epidemiological investigation.

A new species of the free-living nematode genus Trachactinolaimus, collected in natural habitats of northern Iran, is described, including morphological and molecular (28S-rDNA) data. Trachactinolaimus persicus sp. n. is characterized by its 1.95–2.44 mm long body, lip region weakly offset by depression and 18–20 μm wide, odontostyle 25–27 μm long, neck 540–636 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying one-half of the total neck length, bipartite uterus 2.6–3.9 body diameters long, vulva (V = 49–53) pore-like, tail long and filiform in both sexes (174–223 μm, c = 10.0–13.4, c’ = 5.9–7.0 in females, 165–196 μm, c = 10.7–13.8, c’ = 4.6–5.8 in males), spicules 68–75 μm long, and 12–14 almost contiguous ventromedian supplements with hiatus. Molecular data supports the monophyly of the genus and the hypothesis that Dorylaimidae are the sister group of actinolaims. The taxonomy of Trachactinolaimus is updated, including diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compendium of their main morphometrics. Dominiactinolaimus is regarded as its junior synonym.

Corvids are highly adaptive birds that respond well to anthropogenic changes in their environment. Trematode communities of corvids were studied mainly in the 1950s through 1970s in regularly flooded parts of the Volga River delta in Russia; more recent studies and data from other regions where the corvids are in less contact with postflooding habitats are limited. Data for Corvus corax were lacking. Using our samples obtained from 1963 to 2023, we performed a large-scale analysis of trematode species composition and community structure in Corvus frugilegus, Corvus cornix, C. corax, Coloeus monedula, Pica pica, and Garrulus glandarius; all originated from the Czech Republic. We identified corvids as hosts of mutually overlapping component communities of only a few species of trematodes (Brachylecithum lobatum, Lyperosomum petiolatum, Lyperosomum longicauda, Tamerlania zarudnyi, Urogonimus macrostomus), with the presence of many rare and incidental findings of other trematode species. Only a few species used corvids as their core hosts (L. longicauda and B. lobatum). Trematode component communities in first-year birds included Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Plagiorchis asperus, and Morishitium dollfusi due to an increased share of insects (intermediate hosts of Prosthogonimus and Plagiorchis) and snails (intermediate hosts of Morishitium) in the diet of juveniles. The trematode component communities of corvid species overlapped but were heterogeneous at the level of host individuals, likely reflecting differences in food sources related to the respective host ages and nesting sites.

A new species of the genus Acromoldavicus is described from coastal sand dunes and sandy soil in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Acromoldavicus xerophilus n. sp. is characterized by its 557–700 μm body length, cuticle tessellated, lip region with three pairs of expanded lips bearing a large labial expansion, primary axils bearing guard processes with two different morphology, secondary axils lacking guard processes, stoma short and tubular with prostegostom bearing prominent rhabdia directed towards the stoma lumen, female reproductive system monodelphic-prodelphic, post-vulval sac 0.6–0.9 times body diameter, rectum very large, female tail short with biacute terminus and males unknown. The description, light micrographs, scanning electron microscope images, illustrations, and molecular analyses are provided. Molecular analyses (based on 18S and 28S rDNA) revealed its relationship with some species of the genera Cephalobus (18S tree), Nothacrobeles, Paracrobeles, and Spinocephalus (28S tree). Keys to species identification of this genus are also included.

Echinococcosis poses a significant threat to public health. The Chinese government has implemented prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of the disease. By analyzing data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, we found that implementation of these measures has reduced the infection rate by nearly 50% between 2004 to 2022 (from 0.3975 to 0.1944 per 100,000 person-years). Nonetheless, some regions still bear a significant disease burden, and lack of detailed information limites further evaluation of the effects on both alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. Our analysis supports the continuing implementation of these measures and suggests that enhanced wildlife management, case-based strategies, and surveillance systems will facilitate disease control.

Kribi is a seaside town that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. However, the poor sanitation condition of its beaches along the Atlantic coast is not without risk for visitors. In this study, we used the formol-ether concentration technique to identify and quantify larvae or eggs of intestinal helminths in waters of three regularly visited Kribi beaches (Mpalla, Ngoyè, and Mboamanga). Results revealed that all identified larvae and eggs were cestodes (Hymenolepis nana) and nematodes (Strongyloides sp., Ascaris sp., Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura). All the helminth eggs and larvae showed high abundance at low tide during rainy seasons. Ancylostoma duodenale eggs, totally absent at Mpalla, were densely present at low tide at Ngoyè (301 ± 15 eggs/L). Trichuris trichiura eggs showed the lowest abundance (0 to 62 eggs/L) at all sites. Abiotic variables indicated that waters at the various beaches were basic (pH: 8.75–9.77), generally warmer (32.44°C at Mpalla in the Short Rainy Season), more oxygenated at low tide, and moderately mineralized at high tide. Positive and significant correlations were observed at Ngoyè at low tide between Strongyloides sp. larvae and dissolved oxygen (P ˂ 0.05); and between Ancylostoma duodenale eggs and temperature (P ˂ 0.05). The overall results indicated that the beaches studied are subjected to fecal pollution. This pollution is more accentuated during low tides than during high tides. Depending on tidal movements, swimmers risk exposure to helminth eggs and larvae known to be responsible for gastroenteritis.