Cestode Species Research Articles

Practices Regarding Helminth Infections: The Study at A District in Ghana

Soil Transmitted Helminths Infestations (STHIs) harm both the health and wellbeing of adults and children. Worm infestation can be described as the infection of internal organ tract with any of many species of helminths or parasitic worms such as Ascaris (Round worm), Enterobius (Pin worm), Trichinella spiralis and numerous species of Cestodes (Tape worm). The aim of the study was to obtain the knowledge, perception and practices regarding helminth infections amongst the people of Prampram. This study was a cross-sectional study in which a structured questionnaire was administered by the researchers to obtain socio-demographic data and knowledge regarding the subject matter. The study population involved 400 respondents from Prampram. A random sampling technique was used to select the sample and analysed by SPSS software version 14. Results showed that out of the 400 respondents, 230 males (57.5%) and the rest females, 302 respondents were not married and 290 people (72.5 %) had attained tertiary level of education. There was a higher frequency of the use of worm medication between the ages of 15 and 24 as compared to the other age groups and a greater level of education was associated with a higher level of knowledge of worm- infestation and medication use. Out of the 400 respondents, (362)90.6% had used worm medication before whiles the rest have not. All the respondents had a knowledge of at least one sign or symptom of worm infestation. There was a higher frequency of worm medication use and knowledge of the signs and symptoms of worm infestation between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Majority (36.5%) of the respondents who use worm medication resorted to (Albendazole) in treating worm infestation. There was an observed association between the socio-demographic factors of age and level of education and the knowledge of worm infestation and the practices associated with use of worm medication.

Renal hydatid cyst - An exceptional presentation

The infectious parasitic illness echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis, mostly arises from the larval forms of the tapeworm species Echinococcus granulosus. The prevalence of renal involvement in total hydatid disease is documented to be approximately 2-3%, a notably lower rate in comparison to the involvement observed in the liver and lungs. As a result of the lack of observable symptoms, the cyst remains asymptomatic and exhibits a slow progression over a period of time. The computed tomography (CT) scan is often regarded as a highly accurate diagnostic procedure owing to its capacity to precisely ascertain the size and location of the lesion, as well as its correlation and influence on surrounding tissue. The most effective therapeutic strategy entails implementing surgical procedures to extract a hydatid cyst involving the renal system.

Cestode diversity in shrews from islands in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

A comparative analysis of taxonomic diversity on shrew cestodes among four islands in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk (Sakhalin, Kunashir, Hokkaido, and Moneron) was performed. Cestode species shared among the islands were identified and their host specificity was investigated. On Sakhalin Island, 33 species of the families Hymenolepididae, Dilepididae and Mesocestoididae were recorded in four shrew species (Sorex caecutiens, S. gracillimus, S. minutissimus and S. unguiculatus). In S. caecutiens, S. gracillimus, and S. unguiculatus on Kunashir Island, 22 species of the same families were found and, on Hokkaido Island, 23 species of the families Hymenolepididae and Dilepididae were recorded. On Moneron Island, three species of cestodes were registered in S. tundrensis. The Sakhalin-Hokkaido-Kunashir complex of shrew cestodes includes eastern-Palearctic, trans-Palearctic and endemic species. High endemism (~22%) of shrew tapeworms in the Sakhalin-Kunashir-Hokkaido Islands was noted as compared to continental territories. The different numbers of cestode species in S. unguiculatus (31), S. caecutiens (29), S. gracillimus (19) and S. minutissimus (1) were found. It was concluded that the cestodes species diversity of shrews of Sakhalin-Kunashir-Hokkaido depended primarily on the history of island formation, their modern physical and geographical features, the abundance of definitive and intermediate cestodes hosts and, to a lesser extent, on the size and remoteness of the islands from the mainland and the diversity of host species.

Epidemiology and diversity of gastrointestinal tract helminths of wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa: a review.

This review summarises studies on distribution, diversity, and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in wild ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that109 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminth species or species complexes were recorded in 10 sub-Saharan African countries. South Africa reported the highest number of species because most studies were carried out in this country. Eighty-eight nematode species or species complexes were recorded from 30 wild ruminant species across eight countries. The genus Trichostrongylus recorded the highest number of species and utilised the highest number of wild ruminant species, and along with Haemonchus spp., was the most widely distributed geographically. Fifteen trematode species or species complexes were reported from seven countries. The genus Paramphistomum recorded the highest number of species, and Calicophoron calicophoron was the most commonly occurring species in sub-Saharan African countries and infected the highest number of hosts. Six cestode species or species complexes from one family were documented from 14 wild hosts in seven countries. Moniezia spp. were the most commonly distributed in terms of host range and geographically. Impala were infected by the highest number of nematodes, whilst Nyala were infected by the highest number of trematode species. Greater kudu and Impala harbored the largest number of cestodes. The prevalence amongst the three GIT helminths taxa ranged between 1.4% and 100% for nematodes, 0.8% and 100% for trematodes, and 1.4% and 50% for cestodes. There is still limited information on the distribution and diversity of GIT helminths in wild ruminants in most sub-Saharan African countries.

Anantrum gallopintoi sp. nov. (Bothriocephalidae Blanchard, 1849), a cestode parasite of the shorthead lizardfish Synodus scituliceps (Synodontidae) from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

A new species of bothriocephalid cestode in the genus Anantrum is described from the intestine of the shorthead lizardfish Synodus scituliceps from the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The new species is described based on an integrative taxonomic approach that includes the use of light and scanning electron microscopy, 28S rDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Anantrum gallopintoi sp. nov. is the third known member of this genus and can be distinguished from A. tortum (Linton, 1905) and A. histocephalum Jensen & Heckmann, 1977 by a combination of morphological and ecological traits and, in particular, by having a vaginal sphincter, different number of testes, and different type host and type locality. The molecular analysis and the phylogenetic reconstructions supported its status as a new taxon placing it within a well-supported separate branch of Anantrum spp. subclade. According to the present finding, S. scituliceps represents a new host record and Costa Rica a new geographical record for Anantrum species, and, in general, for a bothriocephalid cestode.

Prevalence of parasites in selected captive bird species.

Blood and fecal samples of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were analyzed to check parasitic prevalence. To record parasites these five avian species were placed kept in separate cages at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife an Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. 100 fecal and 100 blood samples for each bird species were inspected to analyze internal parasites. During present study, 17 species of endoparasites 14 from fecal samples and three from blood were examined. Two species of ectoparasites i.e. mite Dermanyssus gallinae 42% and fowl ticks Args persicus 41%were studied. Blood parasites included Plasmodium juxtanucleare 50%, Leucoctoyzoon simond having parasitic prevalence 40%, and Aegyptinella pullorum having parasitic prevalence of 40%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Allodpa suctoria 2%. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 60%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Ascardia galli 24%, Capillaria anatis 40% and Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 50% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 21% were also documented from fecal avian samples . Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 72% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having parasitic prevalence of 21%, Giardia lamblia 41% and Histomonas meleagridis 18% were documented during corpological analysis. In our recommendation, proper sanitation, medication and vaccination of bird's enclousres are suggested to avoid parasites.

Estimation of Cholinesterase and Cholesterol in different species of cestodes of domestic pigeon (Columba livia)

Background: Investigating the metabolic interactions between parasites and their hosts is essential for advancing our understanding of parasitology, with significant implications for both animal and human health. This study focuses on cestode parasites in domestic pigeons as a model for such interactions. Objective: The objective was to analyze the cholinesterase and cholesterol levels in various cestode species found in domestic pigeons, shedding light on their metabolic functions and implications for broader health concerns. Methods: The study involved collecting specimens of Raillietina galeritae, Cotugnia Streptopell, and Raillietina flaccida from infected domestic pigeons. These specimens were processed through grinding, homogenization, and centrifugation. Cholesterol levels were measured using an enzymatic colorimetric method, and cholinesterase levels were determined through a spectrophotometric assay, involving specific reagents and incubation protocols to ensure accurate biochemical analysis. Results: The cholinesterase levels exhibited minor variations among the species, with Raillietina flaccida recording the highest mean value at 0.817 µ moles/ml, followed by Raillietina galeritae at 0.795 µ moles/ml, and Cotugnia Streptopell at 0.783 µ moles/ml. The cholesterol measurements revealed more pronounced differences, with Cotugnia Streptopell showing the highest level at 432.220 mg/dl, Raillietina galeritae at 231.746 mg/dl, and Raillietina flaccida the lowest at 133.333 mg/dl. Conclusion: This research highlights the metabolic diversity within cestode parasites and emphasizes the need to understand the unique characteristics of individual species. The variations in cholinesterase and cholesterol levels suggest complex metabolic adaptations. These findings offer valuable insights for developing targeted treatments for parasitic infections and underscore the importance of species-specific approaches in both veterinary and human parasitology.

New Gland Type Discovered in Cestodes: Neurosecretory Neurons Release a Secret into the Fish Host

Free endings of peripheral neurosecretory neurons (NNs) were found in the tegument of plerocercoids of five species of parasitic cestodes of fish in an ultrastructural study. The free terminals secreted vesicles on the tegument surface and into the host body. Secretion was experimentally shown to increase in response to the host fish blood serum. In the cestode body, NNs form paracrine-type contacts near the cell membranes of the frontal glands, the tegument, and muscles, functioning as endocrine glands. Simultaneously, NNs function as exocrine glands and secrete the so-called manipulative factors, which influence the physiology of the host.

Infection of endemic chub Squalius tenellus with the intestinal tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Cestoda): histopathology and ultrastructural surveys.

The endemic chub Squalius tenellus (Heckel, 1843) was introduced more than 100 years ago to Lake Blidinje (Bosnia-Herzegovina). Only 1 species of enteric helminth was found in a sample of 35 chubs, the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus brachycollis (Janiszewska, 1953). The paper includes histopathological investigation with identification of innate immune cells involved in host reaction and molecular data allowed correct designation of the cestode species. Of 35 specimens of chub examined, 21 (60%) harboured individuals of C. brachycollis and a total of 1619 tapeworms were counted, the intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 390 worms per fish (46.2 ± 15.3, mean ± s.e.). Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations showed strict contact between the worm's body and the epithelia and increase in the number of mucous cells, rodlet cells among the epithelial cells. Within the tunica propria-submucosa, beneath the site of scolex attachment, numerous neutrophils and mast cells were noticed. This is the first study of the occurrence of C. brachycollis in chub from Lake Blidinje and on the response of the innate immune cells of S. tenellus to this tapeworm. Interestingly, in 3 very heavily infected chubs, perforation of the intestinal wall was documented; this is uncommon among cestodes which use fish as a definitive host.

Cestodes of Pseudobatos horkelii (Mller and Henle) (Rhinopristiformes) including Rhinebothrium quequense n. sp. (Rhinebothriidea) and Caulobothrium pieroi n. sp. (Tetraphyllidea) from the southwestern Atlantic.

Two new species of cestodes were described from the Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii (Mller and Henle) (Rhinopristiformes: Rhinobatidae), from coastal waters off Argentina in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Rhinebothrium quequense n. sp. (Rhinebothriidea) differs from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters, including the total number of loculi, the absence of loculi at the level of bothridial constriction, the number of testes per proglottid, and the number of proglottids per worm. Caulobothrium pieroi n. sp. (Tetraphyllidea) can be distinguished from the other members of the genus by the following set of morphological features including the presence of stalked bothridia with apical sucker, the number of loculi per bothridium, the number of testes per proglottid, and the number of proglottids per worm. The discovery of R. quequense n. sp. and C. pieroi n. sp. in the Brazilian guitarfish not only increases the number of rhinebothriideans and tetraphyllideans in the southwestern Atlantic, but also expands the elasmobranchs list to include P. horkelii for the first time as a new host record for cestodes globally. In addition, this is not only the first report of a species of Rhinebothrium in rhinobatids in the region, but it is also the first Caulobothrium species infecting a rhinopristiform batoid.

Parasitological and molecular identification of cestode Bothriocephalus scorpii sensu stricto in the new host Chelidonichthys lucerna (L. 1758) (Triglidae, Scorpaenoidei) from the North Sea

A specimen of female tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna) caught as bycatch in commercial saithe, Pollachius virens, fisheries near the Shetland Islands was identified as a new definitive host for the cestode Bothriocephalus scorpii (Bothriocephalidea) sensu stricto. It was also the first Cestoda species recorded in tub gurnard. However, as shown in our study, the identification of complex species such as Bothriocephalus scorpii based only on external characteristics had to be supplemented with molecular marker analysis to determine the taxonomic status of the specimen. Therefore, to successfully identify the parasite specimen, DNA was extracted from it, and a partial sequence of lsrDNA was amplified and the PCR product was subjected to 2 × 300 bp PE sequencing with 10,000× coverage on MiSeq. A BLAST search using the 346 bp sequence showed 100% similarity to the lsrDNA sequence of B. scorpii deposited in GenBank under accession number AF286942. Relatedness between the sequence of B. scorpii found in our study and the 20 most similar records from GenBank was identified using a phylogenetic tree constructed under maximum likelihood. Our study proves that next-generation sequencing of partial lsrDNA supplemented the morphological identification of the parasite specimen and can be applied in future parasitological studies.

Coinfection of the gut with protozoal and metazoal parasites in broiler and laying chickens

The chicken business faces substantial economic losses due to the risk of parasitic coinfection. Because the current study aimed to investigate enteric parasitic coinfections problems among the suspected examined chicken farms, samples were collected during the field investigation from suspected freshly dead birds, clinically diseased, apparently healthy, and litter samples for further laboratory parasitological, histopathological, and immunological examinations. Variable mortalities with various clinical indicators, such as ruffled feathers, weight loss, diarrhea of various colors, and a decline in egg production, occurred on the farms under investigation. In addition, the treatment protocols of each of the farms that were evaluated were documented and the m-RNA levels of some cytokines and apoptotic genes among the infected poultry have been assessed. The prevalence rate of parasitic coinfection in the current study was found to be 8/120 (6.66%). Parasitological analysis of the samples revealed that they belonged to distinct species of Eimeria, cestodes, and Ascaridia galli. When deposited, A. galli eggs were nonembryonated and ellipsoidal, but cestodes eggs possessed a thin, translucent membrane that was subspherical. Eimeria spp. oocysts in layer chickens were identified as Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima in broiler chickens. Our findings proved that coinfection significantly upregulated the IL-1β, BAX, and Cas-3 genes. Conversely, the IL-10, BCL-2, and AKT mRNA levels were downregulated, indicating that nematode triggered apoptosis. The existence of parasite coinfection was verified by histological investigation of the various intestinal segments obtained from affected flocks. A. galli and cestodes obstructed the intestinal lumen, causing different histological alternations in the intestinal mucosa. Additionally, the lamina propria revealed different developmental stages of Eimeria spp. It was determined that parasite coinfection poses a significant risk to the poultry industry. It was recommended that stringent sanitary measures management methods, together with appropriate treatment and preventative procedures, be employed in order to resolve such issues.

Parasitism (Flamingolepis liguloides Gervais, 1847) with High Prevalence in Brine Shrimp Population from Çamaltı Saltworks

The species of Artemia (Brine shrimp) populations in saltworks have been gaining an increasing popularity for aquaculture and for its significance for aquatic ecosystem as being an important sustainance for water birds in hypersaline food webs. Besides, species in the genus Artemia sp. are the intermediate host of severe cestode species which are associated with flamingos. In this study, the prevalence of Flamingolepis liguloides parasitism in Artemia parthenogenetica in Turkie was reported. Infected A. parthenogenetica (nature strain) was sampled in saltpans from April to September 2022, where flamingo birds and salt production were available for parasitological diagnosis. The parasites were determined in the abdomen, thorax and near the gut tract of A. parthenogenetica. The highest prevalence of parasite was found in juvenile individuals as 86.67±1.45% and 76.06±1.16% in adults in May. The main intensity was varied from 1.18±0.01 to 1.92±0.06 parasites per infected host depending on the sampling months and age of brine shrimp. The most abundant parasite infestation was recorded as 1.44±0.02 parasites per investigated host in juvenile brine shrimp in June since seasonal conditions are favorable for such infestation.

The neuro-exocrine secretion: A new type of gland in tapeworms?

The phenomenon of exocrine secretion via nervous cells into the host tissue has been discovered in cestodes. In five cestode species of different orders specialized “cup-shaped” free nerve endings located in the tegument have been found. Their ultrastructure is characterized by the presence of a septate junction, a thin support ring and neurosecretory vesicles 90–110 nm in diameter, which are secreted onto the surface of the tegument through a thin pore. The phenomenon is referred to in this article as the neuro-exocrine secretion. We observed a direct relationship between neurosecretory processes in the deep subtegument and free endings in a series of ultrathin sections in two species. The peripheral neurosecretory neurons of species studied are characterized by similar ultrastructural features: size and location; diameter of neurosecretory granules; absence of microtubules and mitochondria in the neurites. The size of neurosecretory granules has been found to decrease from perikaryon towards neurosecretory terminals that lead to the tegument. In two species, we examined the neurosecretion during incubation in the host's blood serum. Depending on the time of incubation we have shown the changes a) in the diameter of the cup-shaped endings, b) in the number of secretory vesicles in the endings; c) changes in number and diameter of neurosecretory vesicles in the processes of neurosecretory neurons in the subtegument. The detected changes differ in D.dendriticus and L.interrupta and, taken together, indirectly confirm the secretory specialization of the cup-shaped endings. Supposed targets for the neurosecretory neurons in the studied cestodes are the following: (a) eccrine frontal gland ducts, especially their terminal regions involved in the release of secretory products; (b) longitudinal and circular muscles in the subtegument region; (c) the basal membrane of the tegument. Besides the discovered secretion vesicles through the cup-shaped terminals, we observed vacuoles derived from the basal membrane of the tegument containing extracellular substances released into the host tissue. Their possible role in the release of neurosecretory substances is discussed. Considering the data acquired via immunocytochemical methods, an assumption about involvement of FMRFamide-like related peptides (FaRPs) in the neuro-exocrine secretion is proposed. Possible functions of the neuro-exocrine secretion are discussed in the context of host-parasite interactions.

Biases in parasite biodiversity research: why some helminth species attract more research than others.

As the number of known and described parasite species grows every year, one might ask: how much do we actually know about these species beyond the fact they exist? For free-living taxa, research effort is biased toward a small subset of species based on their properties or human-centric factors. Here, using a large data set on over 2500 helminth parasite species described in the past two decades, we test the importance of several predictors on two measures of research effort: the number of times a species description is cited following its publication, and the number of times a species' name is mentioned in the scientific literature. Our analysis highlights some taxonomic biases: for instance, descriptions of acanthocephalans and nematodes tend to receive more citations than those of other helminths, and species of cestodes are less frequently mentioned in the literature than other helminths. We also found that helminths infecting host species of conservation concern receive less research attention, perhaps because of the constraints associated with research on threatened animals, while those infecting host species of human use receive greater research effort. Intriguingly, we found that species originally described by many co-authors subsequently attract more research effort than those described by one or few authors, and that research effort correlates negatively with the human population size of the country where a species was discovered, but not with its economic strength, measured by its gross domestic product. Overall, our findings reveal that we have conducted very little research, or none at all, on the majority of helminth parasite species following their discovery. The biases in study effort we identify have serious implications for future research into parasite biodiversity and conservation.

Comparison of Kato-Katz, PCR and coproantigen for the diagnosis of Taenia solium taeniasis.

Four methods were compared for the diagnosis of human taeniasis caused by Taenia solium. Fecal samples from persons living in a T. solium endemic region of Madagascar were examined for taeniid eggs by the Kato–Katz method. Subsequently, samples positive (n = 16) and negative (n = 200) for T. solium eggs were examined by (i) amplification of the fragment of small subunit of the mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (rrnS) gene using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and (ii) a nested PCR of a fragment of the T. solium Tso31 gene. Additionally, 12 egg-positive and all egg-negative samples were tested for coproantigen detection. A further 9 egg-positive fecal samples were examined using both PCRs. Of the 12 egg-positive samples tested by PCRs and coproantigen methods, 9 (75%) were positive by rrnS PCR, 3 (25%) using Tso31-nested PCR and 9 (75%) by coproantigen testing. None of the 200 egg-negative fecal samples was positive in either rrnS or Tso31-nested PCR. Twenty of the 25 egg-positive samples (80%) were positive in rrnS PCR, and DNA sequencing of PCR amplicons was obtained from 18 samples, all confirmed to be T. solium. Twelve of the 25 egg-positive samples (48%) were positive in the Tso31-nested PCR, all of which were also positive by rrnS PCR. It is suggested that species-specific diagnosis of T. solium taeniasis may be achieved by either coprological examination to detect eggs or coproantigen testing, followed by rrnS PCR and DNA sequencing to confirm the tapeworm species in egg-positive or coproantigen-positive samples.

Helminths of the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788), from the Strait of Messina (Sicily, Southern Italy).

Bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788), is a little-known elasmobranch in the Mediterranean Sea. Given the lack of information about H. griseus, the aim of our study was to describe the helminth fauna of this species. In March 2023, one H. griseus juvenile female specimen was found off the coast of Messina (Italy) and referred by the Italian Coast Guard to our laboratory for necropsy and parasitological evaluation. After necropsy, the specimen's gills, stomach and spiral valve were investigated for parasite presence. All collected parasites were stored in 70% ethanol for routine parasitological analysis. No lesions due to parasites were found in the gills or skin. Three species of helminths were found in one studied female specimen of Hexanchus griseus, namely, two cestode species (Phyllobothrium sinuosiceps and Nybelinia sp., larvae) and one trematode (Otodistomum veliporum). Among them, five Trypanorhyncha plerocercoid larvae were found attached to the stomach mucosa, and six adult cestodes and one digenean trematode were collected from the spiral valve. No other parasite taxa were found in the celomic organs. This study reports new information regarding the parasitic fauna of H. griseus from the central Mediterranean Sea.

Cryptic species Hydatigera kamiyai and other taeniid metacestodes in the populations of small mammals in Serbia

BackgroundHydatigera (Cestoda: Taeniidae) is a recently resurrected genus with the description of a new species, Hydatigera kamiyai, a cryptic entity within the Hydatigera taeniaeformis species complex. Rodents are intermediate hosts and correct taxonomic identification of H. taeniaeformis sensu lato (s.l.) species is difficult without the use of molecular methods. The aim of this study was to identify and explore the genetic diversity of Hydatigera and other taeniid species.MethodsTen different small mammals species (856 individuals) (Rattus rattus, three Apodemus, three Arvicolinae and three Soricidae species) were examined from 2013 to 2023. Captured animals were visually examined for cysts and visible lesions. Two markers were used for amplification and sequencing: cox1 and 12S rDNA.ResultsMolecular analysis of cysts and visible lesions revealed four taeniid species: Hydatigera kamiyai, H. taeniaeformis sensu stricto (s.s.), Taenia martis and T. crassiceps. Hydatigera kamiyai was found in Apodemus flavicollis, A. agrarius, Microtus arvalis and Crocidrua leucodon, while H. taeniaeformis s.s. is registered in R. rattus. Hydatigera kamiyai cox1 sequences clustered with European populations and showed at least 25 nucleotid differences compared to Asian, African, Australian and one of our isolates of H. taeniaeformis s.s acquired from a rat, followed by large sequence distances (9.4% to 12.9%), indicating clear molecular distinction of two species.ConclusionsThis is one of the few mitochondrial gene-based studies performed after the description of cryptic entities within the Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. complex and represents a valuable contribution to understanding of genetic diversity, host suitability and geographic distribution of these tapeworm species. Also, our study provides an important basis of molecular data from this part of Europe for further studies. We emphasize the importance of additional studies of intermediate hosts, especially rats from Europe and Apodemus spp. and voles from Asia and Africa.Graphical abstract

Large right ventricular hydatid cyst in a child: a case report

BackgroundCystic Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by the larval stages of a species of tapeworms known as Echinococcus granulosus. Even in endemic areas; Cardiac involvement by hydatidiosis is very rare and has atypical presentations as well as localization which make it undiagnosed in about 10% of cases. The left ventricle is the most Common chamber involved by the hydatid cyst and isolated involvement of the right ventricle is very rare, especially in children. The aim of the present study was to describe hydatid cardiac cyst of the right ventricle of a child.Case presentationWe present a rare case of an 8 year-old boy, living in a rural area, who was diagnosed with a cardiac hydatid cyst in the right ventricle. He also had multiple pulmonary hydatid cysts and presented with dyspnea, cough and atypical chest pain. The patient underwent surgery for the resection of pulmonary cysts and, subsequently, cardiac hydatid cyst. The outcome was favorable seven weeks after surgery and there was no clinical and echocardiographic recurrence.ConclusionCardiac Echinococcosis must be suspected in endemic areas, diagnosed with appropriate imaging techniques, and treated appropriately.

Prevalence of Parasitic Intestinal Infections in livestock in Kalat, Iran

Introduction: Rodents are the largest group of mammals and act as a reservoir for many common human diseases, leading to societal health and economic problems. Due to the different prevalence rates of rodent-borne parasitic infections in various regions, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in wild and domestic rodents in Kalat County, located in the north of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2016. Materials and methods: The study was performed using a descriptive method on 86 mountainous and domestic rodents randomly caught using live traps. After anesthesia and species identification, the gastrointestinal tract was dissected, and the digestive system worms were separated and preserved in 10% formalin until identification. The nematodes were clarified with lactophenol and stained with carmine acid. All worms were identified using diagnostic keys, and the results were presented using descriptive statistics. Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents in the study area was 75.5%. The captured rodents in this area included Microtus 46 (53.4%), Mus musculus 15 (17.4%), Pikas 13 (15.1%), Apodemus agrarius 11 (12.7%), and Allactaga elater 1 (1.1%). Six species of nematodes and one cestode species were identified in this study. The prevalence of parasitic infections shared between humans and rodents included Syphacia obvelata (83%), Aspicularis tetraptera (18.5%), Trichuris fossor (16.9%), Hymenolepis nana (6.1%), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (10.7%), and Nipostrongylus braziliensis (1.5%). Capillaria spp were found in 1.5% of rodents. Conclusion: The results revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal worm infections in rodents, with an overall prevalence rate of 75.5% in Kalat, Iran. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with rodent-borne parasitic infections in the study area and emphasize the importance of implementing effective control and prevention measures to mitigate the impact on human health and the local economy.