Intestinal Tapeworm Research Articles

Доклиническая оценка безопасности нового лекарственного препарата для собак и кошек Supramil® эмульсия

This article presents the results of a toxicological evaluation of a new drug for veterinary use, Supramil® emulsion based on R-praziquantel and milbemycin oxime. The drug is intended for the treatment of intestinal nematodes and cestodes, mixed infestations in cats and dogs, as well as for the prevention of dirofilariasis. A single intragastric administration of the drug in doses of a toxic level for rats and mice did not cause toxicosis or death in laboratory animals, on the basis of which the average lethal dose (LD50) for the drug Supramil® emulsion could not be determined. As a result of the assessment of subchronic oral toxicity, it was established that the tested doses of the drug when administered daily to white outbred rats for 14 days are ineffective. An assessment of the ability of the drug, when introduced into the body, to cause a state of hypersensitivity did not reveal an allergenic effect. Thus, the results of this study allow us to conclude that the Supramil® emulsion does not have toxic or allergenic properties and is well tolerated by laboratory animals.

Health Assessment of Adult Male Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from Western Kentucky, USA.

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are an important game species throughout the geographic range. Populations throughout multiple regions of the US have been declining, including in Kentucky, US, raising concerns among managers and resource users. To better understand the overall population health, we performed postmortem examinations and targeted pathogen, mineral, and toxicant testing on 36 adult male, apparently healthy, wild turkeys that were hunter harvested in western Kentucky during April 2018. We found that birds were in fair to good nutritional condition with no significant gross or microscopic lesions. Ticks (Amblyomma spp.) and lice (three species) were present on 94 and 31% of birds, respectively. We commonly detected intestinal nematodes and cestodes and found coccidian oocysts in 39% and capillarid eggs in 6% of birds. The prevalences of lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus were 39 and 11%, respectively. Spleen samples tested with PCR were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, Haemoproteus sp., and Leucocytozoon sp. in 11, 83, and 3%, respectively. Based on a subjective histologic assessment of testis tissues, most birds had widespread and abundant sperm present. Mineral analysis and broad toxicant screening on liver samples from 32 turkeys were unremarkable. Further work is needed to assess potential population risk factors and to determine individual- and population-level impacts of pathogens on adults and poults.

Antiparasitic activity of the steroid-rich extract of Schima wallichii against poultry cestode.

Schima wallichii Korth., commonly known as the needlewood tree (family Theaceae) has therapeutic uses in traditional Mizo medicine for human helminthiasis and serves as a balm against ectoparasites in animals. Although the medicinal properties have been studied experimentally, its use as a traditional anthelmintic remains unexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical components and antiparasitic activity of S. wallichii. The chemical analysis of S. wallichi bark extracts was conducted focusing on the secondary metabolites using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the specific compounds. An anthelmintic susceptibility test was carried out against Raillietina tetragona, intestinal cestode parasite of fowl. The methanol extract yielded the highest concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and tannins among all the extracts. Sterols were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, with flavonoids being absent. Secondary metabolites were largely absent in the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. The GC-MS data identified cholest-22-ene-21-ol as the major steroid component. The cestode parasite was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the plant extract. The plant extract's anthelmintic activity was evident through observable damage to the parasite's outer structure. Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration.

A Case Series on Intestinal Tapeworms Infections from Eastern Part of India

Introduction: Intestinal worm infestations are widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries and occur where there is poverty and poor sanitation. Gastrointestinal helminths cause significant disease in both humans, soil transmitted helminths, blood and food borne liver flukes affect more than 1.5 billion people globally, most of whom live on disadvantaged and neglected communities. Case Series: We report here 3 cases of abnormal passage of long segments in stool during various times of day for a prolonged period with various comorbidities. The worms were identified in our parasitology department and then required treatment given and patients were cured. Conclusion: T saginata infestation has got a global distribution and is endemic in this part of world and a study conducted by even et al in rural areas of Kashmir, shows prevalence of the helminths reported to be7.69% possibly due to consumption of undercooked beef. Beef contains the larval forms of this helminth known as cysticercosis and after activation in the upper intestine the cysticercosis attaches to the wall of the small intestine by means of solices and becomes a mature tapeworm and this takes 10-12 weeks. Treatment with praziquantel is beneficial

Host-gut microbiota interactions shape parasite infections in farmed Atlantic salmon.

Animals and their associated microbiota share long evolutionary histories. However, it is not always clear how host genotype and microbiota interact to affect phenotype. We applied a hologenomic approach to explore how host-microbiota interactions shape lifetime growth and parasite infection in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Multi-omics data sets were generated from the guts of 460 salmon, 82% of which were naturally infected with an intestinal cestode. A single Mycoplasma bacterial strain, MAG01, dominated the gut metagenome of large, non-parasitized fish, consistent with previous studies showing high levels of Mycoplasma in the gut microbiota of healthy salmon. While small and/or parasitized salmon also had high abundance of MAG01, we observed increased alpha diversity in these individuals, driven by increased frequency of low-abundance Vibrionaceae and other Mycoplasma species that carried known virulence genes. Colonization by one of these cestode-associated Mycoplasma strains was associated with host individual genomic variation in long non-coding RNAs. Integrating the multi-omic data sets revealed coordinated changes in the salmon gut mRNA transcriptome and metabolome that correlated with shifts in the microbiota of smaller, parasitized fish. Our results suggest that the gut microbiota of small and/or parasitized fish is in a state of dysbiosis that partly depends on the host genotype, highlighting the value of using a hologenomic approach to incorporate the microbiota into the study of host-parasite dynamics.IMPORTANCEStudying host-microbiota interactions through the perspective of the hologenome is gaining interest across all life sciences. Intestinal parasite infections are a huge burden on human and animal health; however, there are few studies investigating the role of the hologenome during parasite infections. We address this gap in the largest multi-omics fish microbiota study to date using natural cestode infection of farmed Atlantic salmon. We find a clear association between cestode infection, salmon lifetime growth, and perturbation of the salmon gut microbiota. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence that the genetic background of the host may partly determine how the gut microbiota changes during parasite-associated dysbiosis. Our study therefore highlights the value of a hologenomic approach for gaining a more in-depth understanding of parasitism.

Cestodes of the genus Anthobothrium van Beneden, 1850 in five carcharhinid shark species from the southern waters of Iran, with the description of three new species, new host and locality records, and a key to the species of the genus.

Examining the intestinal cestode fauna of the shark species Carcharhinus dussumieri (Müller and Henle), C. sorrah (Müller and Henle), C. leucas (Müller and Henle), and Rhizoprionodon acutus (Rüppell) from the Persian Gulf and C. macloti (Müller and Henle) from the Gulf of Oman resulted in the description of three new species of the tetraphyllidean genus Anthobothrium van Beneden, 1850, along with the establishment of new host and locality records. Anthobothrium afsanae sp. nov. and A. barsami sp. nov. were found in C. dussumieri and C. sorrah. Carcharhinus macloti was the additional host of A. barsami and new host record for A. parimae Sadeghi Kamachali and Haseli, 2022, for which a new locality record was established in the Gulf of Oman. Carcharhinus leucas is the type host of A. elenae sp. nov. and a new host record for A. lesteri Williams, Burt and Caira, 2004. A new locality record for A. lesteri is the Persian Gulf, which is far away from the type locality, Australia. Rhizoprionodon acutus is new host record for A. samae Sadeghi Kamachali and Haseli, 2022 and A. shayani Sadeghi Kamachali and Haseli, 2022. With 14 valid species of Anthobothrium and given the relatively uniform morphology of members of this genus, a key to the species of Anthobothrium is presented. The biogeographical distribution and host specificity are also discussed for the species of Anthobothrium.

Infection of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) with the Asian fish tapeworm Schyzocotyle acheilognathi in an urban stream in Brazil.

Schyzocotyle acheilognathi is a fish tapeworm native to Asia but has been reported as an alien species on practically all other continents. Its invasive potential is due to its low host specificity and high adaptability to different environments, and its spread to new areas can result in economic and ecological impacts. Studies reporting this species in South America are still scarce, indicating the need to monitor its dispersion to new areas. Herein, tapeworms found in guppies, Poecilia reticulata, from an urban stream located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2021 were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization. As a result, 5/13 (38.5%) of the P. reticulata specimens evaluated were infected with intestinal tapeworms. It was verified a mean intensity of infection of 7.8 (1-25) and a mean abundance of infection of 3 (0-25). The morphology of the cestodes obtained was compatible with that of S. acheilognathi. Moreover, genetic analysis based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (Cox-1) revealed 97.89-99.77% similarity to isolates of this species from different localities. The possibility that S. acheilognathi is expanding to new regions of South America is discussed.

Eficácia terapêutica da Ferula asafetida contra Hymenolepis nana

ABSTRACT Hymenolepis nana is a common intestinal tapeworm that affects humans. Drugs, including praziquantel (PZQ), are essential for managing this infection. Natural products are now considered as an alternative agent to control hymenolepiasis. Three doses of the herb Ferula asafetida (FAH) (100-150-200 mg/ml) were used to assess the appropriate dose and right time to eliminate H. nana. It was found that 150 mg/ml gives no movement in 5 min and is an appropriate dose affecting H. nana. This study showed that FAH completely controls mature worms. Treatment with FAH induced a significant reduction in worm burden and complete healing after 14 days relative to a single dose PZQ drug. Moreover, histological studies for the infected-treated mice with FAH demonstrated improvement in the intestinal tissue and less accumulation of inflammation relative to those treated with PZQ. In addition, the cestodal infection significantly upregulated the inflammatory cytokines. This increase in mRNA expression of TNF-��, iNOS, and IL-2 was 6.80, 5.65, and 8.95-fold, respectively, which significantly downregulated upon treatment. Collectively, F. asafetida is a promising medicinal plant with anti-cestodal and anti-inflammatory activities and could be used for the treatment of hymenolepiasis.

Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis, Human Taeniasis and Associated Risk Factors in Selected Towns of Silte Zone

Bovine cysticercosis is an infection of cattle caused by the larval stage of Cysticercus Bovis, the human intestinal cestodes and it has economical and public health importance. Across-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to August 2022 to determine the prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis, Human Taeniasis and associated risk factors in selected towns of Silte zone. The study was conducted in Silte zone municipal abbatoir in cattle slaughtered at Kilto, Kutery, Kirate and Werabe town municipal abattoirs. Systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data from abattoir survey of the study animals and questionnaire survey collected data stored by using in Epi data software and analyzed using (SPSS-22) software program. The study animals were 422 cattle which were systematic randomly selected. The present study revealed that the overall prevalence of C.bovis was 36 %, which indicated a high prevalence of the parasite in the study area. A prevalence of 35.7%, 35.92%, 37.96% and 34.11% were Kilto, Kutery, Kirate and Werabe Tawon were observed, respectively. Among considered risk factors, sex, body condition and breed showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of C. bovis in study area. Regarding the anatomical distribution of the cysts, shoulder muscle showed highest prevalence 28.44%, was followed by tongue 20.79% tricepsbrachi muscle 18.35%, masseter muscle 17.74%, heart 12.84%, and liver 1.8%. Out of 110 respondents, 64.5% had contracted T.saginata. Among considered risk factors, sex, age , occupation, education status, raw meat consumption and knowledge about the disease, showed statistically significant difference in prevalence of T. saginata in study area. The findings of this study indicated that importance of Bovine Cysticercosis and Taeniasis in the study area. Therefore, attention should be given to the public awareness, detailed meat inspection to be safe to public health, consumption of well-cooked cattle meat should be implemented for breaking the cycle of the diseases and promote meat industry in the country.

Echinococcus multilocularis and Alveolar Echinococcosis: Should We Be Concerned?

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a life-threatening zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, an intestinal cestode of carnivorous animals (mostly canids). Its life cycle includes an adult stage in the intestines of carnivores and a larval stage (metacestode) in tissues of herbivores or omnivores. Humans are accidental/aberrant hosts and harbor the metacestode only. The disease presents as a continuously growing tumor-like liver mass with local or metastatic spread to distant organs, with mortality approaching 90% if untreated or partially treated. Diagnosis is based on characteristic imaging, serology and histopathology, and confirmation by nucleic acid amplification test. The geographical distribution of E. multilocularis covers most of the northern hemisphere, with human cases in Europe, Japan, Central Asia, and now North America. The recent establishment of a new parasite strain that is pathogenic to humans in Canada and the United States poses an emerging medical and public health threat and warrants a reassessment of our approach to this parasite.

“Till death do us apart”: The common destiny of brown hare and its parasite community

Although parasites may threaten individual hosts' survival and reproduction, their role as an essential part of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity has been recognized. In Northern Italy, the hare population has evidently declined since 2008.This paper aims to assess the relationship between host demographic trends and helminth parasite community diversity in a two-year survey in Northern Italy to evaluate the impact of parasites on hosts and confirm the hypothesis that endangered host populations are poor in parasites.In 2013 and 2015 the viscera of 54 and 61 hares legally hunted in agro-ecosystems of the Po Plain were collected. This area is characterized by heavy anthropic pressure: more than 60% of the landscape is represented by agricultural or urbanized territories.No intestinal cestodes were detected. Trichuris sp. and Micipsella numidica were collected in 2015 only; Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Taenia pisiformis cysticercosis and bronchopulmonary lesions caused by small strongyles were observed in both years. The richness and evenness appeared increased in the second year of the survey, although lower than those obtained by literature data from similar populations examined in the last two decades of 1900.The dominant helminth, T. retortaeformis, was more abundant in individuals with higher weight, while pathological findings were mostly unrelated to this nematode infection; this is consistent with a reduced action, even no harm, of the parasites on the individual host or population level.Our results suggest that the conservation of hosts, environment, and parasites cannot be achieved separately and that parasites and wildlife hosts' destinies are intimately linked, confirming the complexity of ecosystems and the need to contemplate parasite biodiversity in conservation strategies.

Parasite microtubule arrays

Microtubules are a key component of eukaryotic cell architecture. Regulation of the dynamic growth and shrinkage of microtubules gives cells their shape, allows cells to swim, and drives the separation of chromosomes. Parasites have developed intriguingly divergent biology, seemingly expanding upon and reinventing microtubule use in fascinating ways. These organisms affect life on the planet at scales that are often overlooked: there are likely more parasitic than free-living organisms on Earth, and they have a sizeable influence across ecosystems. As parasites can cause devastating diseases, this in turn drives evolutionary adaptations and species diversity. Parasites are varied, living in all environments and at all scales - from the tiny 2 μm single-celled Plasmodium merozoite that invades red blood cells to the 40 m long Tetragonoporus, a large intestinal tapeworm of whales. To survive in their various niches, parasites have undergone striking adaptations and developed complex life cycles, often involving two or more host species. This diversity is reflected at the cellular level, where unique molecular mechanisms, cytoskeletal structures and organellar compositions are found. Hence, the study of parasite cell biology provides a biological playground for understanding diversity and species diversification. It also facilitates the identification of specific targets to develop urgently needed therapeutics: for example, drugs targeting microtubules are used at large scale to treat intestinal worms and parasites that form tissue cysts in our livers and brains. Here, we discuss some of the curious microtubule arrays found in a small, select number of human-infecting, single-celled parasites of medical importance (Table 1). Our aim is to put a spotlight on distinctive molecular features in a field that promises exciting cell-biological discoveries with the potential for therapeutic breakthroughs.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Taeniasis in Pakistan.

Taeniasis is a neglected zoonotic disease responsible for serious health disorders, such as seizures, and may even cause death. Humans are the definitive host for the three species Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), T. saginata (beef tapeworm), and T. asiatica, harboring the adult tapeworm in the small intestine. In this study, a structured questionnaire was circulated to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding taeniasis among the rural and urban communities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 770 individuals participated in the study. Of the total respondents, 44.4% had little knowledge about the disease and its impact, while the majority (70%) of respondents showed a willingness to participate in elimination campaigns by providing fecal samples. Most respondents kept raw meat separated from clean utensils (81.6%) and checked the internal temperature of meat when cooking it (75.1%). Regression analysis showed a significant association between age and knowledge, especially in the 20-30 years (p < 0.05; OR 0.574) and 30 to 40 years (p < 0.05; OR 0.553) age groups, and being a resident in Rawalpindi (p < 0.05; OR 0.68) and other cities (p < 0.05; OR 2.43), except Islamabad. Income ranges of 31,000-50,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR: 0.574), 51,000-70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.531), and above 70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.42) were significantly related to attitude, compared with individuals with incomes of 10,000-30,000 PKR. Income above 70,000 PKR (p < 0.05; OR 0.87) and living in an urban area (p < 0.05; OR 0.616) compared to a rural area were significant with practices. A positive attitude was observed regarding awareness and prevention of the disease. Awareness campaigns and providing health education could be key approaches to manage this disease in the general population of developing countries.

Bio-Membrane SELEX as a New Approach for Selecting ss-DNA Aptamers that Bind to the Hydatid Cyst Laminated Layer.

Hydatid cyst (HC) is the larval stage of the canine intestinal tapeworm (cestode), Echinococcus granulosus. In addition to the high global economic cost of livestock farming, the infection can lead to dangerous problems for human health. Therefore, research into new diagnosis and treatment approaches is valuable. This study is set out to explore aptamers that bind to HC antigens. The similarity between HC genotype in sheep and humans was that sheep HCs were collected and used as a biological membrane for aptamer selection. Four Bio- Membrane SELEX rounds were conducted, and ssDNA aptamers were selected. Selected aptamers' affinity and specificity to the laminated layer antigens were evaluated using membrane staining by fluorescein primer as a probe. Biotinylated primer was used as a probe for aptahistochemistry and dot blot techniques. Subsequently, cloning and plasmid extraction was conducted. The affinity and specificity of sequenced aptamers were examined with the dot blot method. Selected aptamers reacted with HC wall in aptahistochemistry, aptahistofluorescent, and dot blot experiments. Following cloning and sequencing, 20 sequences were achieved. A strong reaction between HC total antigens and sequenced aptamers has emerged in the dot blot method. We propose a novel method to determine specific aptamers in this investigation. Bio-Membrane SELEX could be assumed as a practical and sensitive method for aptamer selection. Selected aptamers in this study possibly may be used for specific HC antigens detection.

A fish-parasite sentinel system in an assessment of the spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls

The spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the Zemplínska Šírava water reservoir and adjacent tributaries in the Bodrog River Basin were investigated using a fish-parasite sentinel system. PCB concentrations were detected in various fish matrices (dorsal and abdominal muscles, liver and intestine) of the Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) and its intestinal cestode Glanitaenia osculata. PCB concentrations in the fish from the water reservoir, located closest to the chemical plant, the primary source of the PCB pollution, were the highest. The analysis of these contaminants in catfish matrices showed the highest concentrations in the abdominal muscle, followed by the dorsal muscle, liver and intestine. Concentrations of ∑PCBs exceeding the limits for food set by European regulations were measured in the muscle tissue of catfish at all sites, even in the Bodrog River, 60 km away from the primary source of contamination, posing a significant risk to humans in the Zemplín region. For the first time, the ability of cestode G. osculata to accumulate higher amounts of PCBs compared to fish matrices has been demonstrated. Due to the enormous ability of the parasites to accumulate PCBs, we recommend this approach for alternative biomonitoring of PCBs in contaminated aquatic environments.

Tapeworm infection and secondary hemorrhagic shock found after cervical cancer surgery: a case report

Radical hysterectomy is an essential component of surgery for early-stage cervical cancer, and secondary hemorrhagic shock due to infection and vaginal stump necrosis after laparoscopic hysterectomy is very rare. Here we report a tapeworm infection and secondary hemorrhagic shock in a patient with cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy. On day two after cervical cancer surgery, this patient was found to have a long-term intestinal tapeworm infection and was discharged on postoperative day 11 after deworming on postoperative day 4. The patient entered the emergency operating room for hemorrhagic shock on day 15 after cervical cancer surgery; after hemodynamic resuscitation, gauze tamponade, and anti-infective treatment, the patient’s massive blood loss temporarily stopped. Two days later, the patient’s vaginal stump bled again repeatedly. Eventually, after 17 hours of surgery and hemodynamic resuscitation, the patient’s wound stopped bleeding profusely with ligation of the right internal iliac artery and branch arteries. This patient had a rare tapeworm infection that presented preoperatively but was detected only after cervical cancer surgery. We considered that preoperative anemia, long surgery time, surgical trauma, and intraoperative blood loss have significantly suppressed the patient’s immune response. A long-term intestinal tapeworm infection increased her susceptibility to bacteria, resulting in secondary pathogenic infection and postoperative blood loss. We advised that if a patient has combined parasitic infection and recurrent fever after a hysterectomy, it is necessary to prolong the hospital stay time, improve anemia, and increase immunity until the condition stabilizes before discharge.

Intestinal cestode infection of Raillietina species in a 9 weeks old broiler in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria – A Case Report

This case report presents an intestinal cestode infection of Raillietina species in broilers. Live broiler birds that were 9 weeks old were seen to be infected with cestodes during a farm visit. Post mortem examination was carried out and samples of the intestines, live tapeworms and faeces were collected. On post mortem examination, the intestines were filled with whitish worms, the tapeworms were identified using microscopic examination as Raillietina species but no eggs of Raillietina species were observed following fecal examination. Although cestode infections with this species usually do not adversely affect humans following consumption, they are of economic importance as infections in birds can cause weight loss, growth problems and weakness. The essence of this report was to highlight and identify that cestode infections with Raillietina species can occur in broilers which is uncommon and the reason further investigation with microscopic examination was carried out following the negative result from the faecal examination

In vitro cestocidal activity of Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre, a traditionally used anthelmintic plant in India.

Persicaria hydropiper is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of helminth infections among the Naga people of India. To verify the traditional claim of the plant, an in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of the methanol extract of P. hydropiper leaves was investigated based on the paralytic and mortality effects on Raillietina echinobothrida, an intestinal cestode parasite of domestic fowl, following exposure to 10, 20 and 30mg/ml concentrations of extract. The effects of extract were also studied on the body surface of the parasites by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in vitro results showed an efficacy that was dose-dependent. At the highest dose (30mg/ml), mortality of parasites occurred in 4.79 ± 0.17h, in comparison to control, where the parasites survived till 45.63 ± 0.18h. The SEM observations of extract-treated parasites revealed notable impairment in scolex, with distorted suckers and eroded spines. Also, the tegument was observed to be shrunken with impaired microtriches. The results indicate that P. hydropiper leaves possess noteworthy anthelmintic efficacy and justify their use in traditional medicine against intestinal worms.

Parasites and prey of the nursehound shark Scyliorhinus stellaris (Linnaeus, 1758): Insights into hidden trophic web interactions in the Mediterranean Sea.

The metazoan parasite community and the stomach contents of the nursehound shark Scyliorhinus stellaris from the Gulf of Naples (central Mediterranean Sea) were studied. The nursehound shark harboured a poor parasite community composed of a species of gill monogenean (Hexabothrium appendiculatum) and three intestinal cestode taxa (Acanthobothrium coronatum and two unidentified species of the genera Yamaguticestus and Scyphophyllidium), all represented by adult stages. Hosts were mostly parasitized by individuals of A. coronatum, which was the most abundant species and contributed to almost 80% of the total number of parasites found. Conversely, other trophically transmitted parasites (i.e., Yamaguticestus sp. and Scyphophyllidium sp.) showed low prevalence and abundance. The parasite infracommunity was poor, showing low values of species richness, total mean abundance, and diversity indices. Overall, 52 prey items belonging to 13 taxa were identified in the stomach contents. Cephalopods were the most important prey items (represented by nine taxa) and the most diverse and abundant group. In the multivariate space provided by a principal component of mixed data (PCAmix), nursehound sharks distributed along two main axes, related to individual traits (first axis) and stomach contents (including empty ones, second axis). A logistic regression based on the first two axes of the PCAmix showed a significant influence of host individual traits and, to a lesser extent, of stomach contents, regarding the probability of being infected by A. coronatum. Alongside specific traits already associated with parasites transmission, our results highlight the importance of cephalopods in transferring cestode infections through trophic web interactions in the top-predator nursehound shark.

57-Year-Old Man With Headache, Vomiting, and Gait Instability

57-Year-Old Man With Headache, Vomiting, and Gait Instability