Cestode Species Research Articles

Molecular phylogeny, including a new species of Anindobothrium (Cestoda, Rhinebothriidea) from the Southern eagle ray Myliobatis goodei, finally solves the taxonomic enigma of Phyllobothrium myliobatidis

During a parasitological survey of tapeworms from Myliobatis goodei Garman, 1885 (Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae) in coastal waters off Argentina in the Southwestern Atlantic, a new rhinebothriidean cestode species, Anindobothrium danielaesp. nov., is described using morphological and molecular techniques. This species differs from its congeners by a particular combination of features, including the configuration of the bothridia, the number of marginal loculi, and the number and distribution of testes. Additionally, Anindobothrium myliobatidiscomb. nov. is proposed based on several morphological traits, including the presence of stalked bothridia with marginal loculi and an apical sucker, euapolytic strobila, and postvaginal testes. The diagnosis of the genus Anindobothrium Marques, Brooks & Lasso, 2001 is amended to include the features exhibited by these two species; two species subsets are suggested based on the configuration of the bothridia. The presence of A. danielaesp. nov. and A. myliobatidiscomb. nov. in the studied area not only increases the number of cestodes in M. goodei here from eight to ten but also represents the first report of a rhinebothriidean cestode parasitizing stingrays of the family Myliobatidae in the Southwestern Atlantic.

TAXONOMIC ANALYSIS OF HELMINTHS FOUND IN DOMESTIC POULTRY IN THE FERGANA VALLEY

The modern species composition of domestic poultry helminths in the Fergana Valley was studied, and it was found to consist of 45 species. These include 12 species of cestodes, 15 species of trematodes, and 18 species of nematodes. During the research, representatives of the families Davaineidae, Ascaridiidae, Heterakidae, Strongylida, and Capillaridae (Raillietina tetragona, Skrjabinia cesticillus, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Syngamus trachea) were found in almost all domestic poultry. The research on the distribution, biology, and host damage properties of these helminths is essential for developing control measures.

A NEW SPECIES OF ACANTHOBOTHRIUM (CESTODA: ONCHOPROTEOCEPHALIDEA), PARASITE OF THE GIANT ELECTRIC RAY NARCINE ENTEMEDOR JORDAN AND STARKS, 1895 (BATOIDEA: TORPEDINIFORMES) FROM MEXICO.

Spiral valves from specimens of the giant electric ray Narcine entemedor Jordan & Starks, 1895 were examined in search of tapeworms at 2 localities of the Mexican tropical Pacific Ocean. Acanthobothrium oceguerai n. sp. is described herein based on material from Ventanilla, Oaxaca and from Acapulco Bay, Guerrero. The new species is a category 6 species, distinguished by being apolytic, retaining proglottids on the strobila until they are gravid, having strobila of 166-322 proglottids, having a small scolex and very long bothridia relative to the scolex, and having abaxial prongs that are short and thin in comparison to the axial prongs, which are longer and more robust. Acanthobothrium oceguerai n. sp. can be differentiated from other members of category 6 by the hooks, which are shorter, more robust, and smaller than those of the other members of this category. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 28S rRNA locus placed Acanthobothrium oceguerai n. sp. as sister to an unidentified species of larval Acanthobothrium from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition, sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene and nuclear 18S rDNA were generated to provide support for future taxon sampling. Acanthobothrium oceguerai n. sp. is the fifth species of cestode reported from N. entemedor in the tropical eastern Pacific.

In silico comparative analysis of cestode and human NPC1 provides insights for ezetimibe repurposing to visceral cestodiases treatment

Visceral cestodiases, like cysticercoses and echinococcoses, are caused by cystic larvae from parasites of the Cestoda class and are endemic or hyperendemic in many areas of the world. Current therapeutic approaches for these diseases are complex and present limitations and risks. Therefore, new safer and more effective treatments are urgently needed. The Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein is a cholesterol transporter that, based on genomic data, would be the solely responsible for cholesterol uptake in cestodes. Considering that human NPC1L1 is a known target of ezetimibe, used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, it has the potential for repurposing for the treatment of visceral cestodiases. Here, phylogenetic, selective pressure and structural in silico analyses were carried out to assess NPC1 evolutive and structural conservation, especially between cestode and human orthologs. Two NPC1 orthologs were identified in cestode species (NPC1A and NPC1B), which likely underwent functional divergence, leading to the loss of cholesterol transport capacity in NPC1A. Comparative interaction analyses performed by molecular docking of ezetimibe with human NPC1L1 and cestode NPC1B pointed out to similarities that consolidate the idea of cestode NPC1B as a target for the repurposing of ezetimibe as a drug for the treatment of visceral cestodiases.

Optimization of CRISPR/Cas12a detection assay and its application in the detection of Echinococcus granulosus

Cystic echinococcosis, resulting from infection with Echinococcus granulosus, poses a significant challenge as a neglected tropical disease owing to the lack of any known effective treatment. Primarily affecting under-resourced, remote, and conflict-ridden regions, the disease is compounded by the limitations of current detection techniques, such as microscopy, physical imaging, ELISA, and qPCR, which are unsuitable for application in these areas. The emergence of CRISPR/Cas12a as a promising tool for nucleic acid detection, characterized by its unparalleled specificity, heightened sensitivity, and rapid detection time, offers a potential solution. In this study, we present a one-pot CRISPR/Cas12a detection method for E. granulosus (genotype G1, sheep strain) integrating recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with suboptimal protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and structured CRISPR RNA (crRNA) to enhance reaction efficiency. The evaluation of the assay's performance using hydatid cyst spiked dog feces and the examination of 62 dog fecal samples collected from various regions of Western China demonstrate its efficacy. The assay permits visual observation of test results about 15 minutes under blue light and displays superior portability and reaction speed relative to qPCR, achieving a sensitivity level of 10 copies of standard plasmids of the target gene. Analytic specificity was verified against four tapeworm species (E. multilocularis, H. taeniaeformis, M. benedeni, and D. caninum) and two other helminths (T. canis and F. hepatica), with negative results also noted for Mesocestoides sp. This study presents a rapid, sensitive, and time-efficient DNA detection method for E. granulosus of hydatid cyst spiked and clinical dog feces, potential serving as an alternative tool for field detection. This novel assay is primarily used to diagnose the definitive host of E. granulosus. Further validation using a larger set of clinical fecal samples is warranted, along with additional exploration of more effective approaches for nucleic acid release.

Diversity and ecological relationships of Cestoda and Monogenoidea parasites of freshwater stingrays (Myliobatiformes, Potamotrygonidae), in the upper Paraná River, Brazil

The Neotropical freshwater stingrays of Potamotrygon genus present a unique and complex natural history and biogeographical pattern that can be traced to a marine origin and the colonization of the continental environment during the Miocene. During the evolution of potamotrygonids, several species of the parasitic fauna coevolved and co-opted concomitantly to their hosts during the colonization of the new environments. One striking example can be observed during the colonization of the upper Paraná River region. However, few studies explored the ecological and taxonomic aspects of potamotrygonid parasites. In this work, we investigate aspects of the ecology and taxonomy of the species of Monogenea and Cestoda that are parasites the species of freshwater stingrays of the genus Potamotrygon in the upper Paraná River. Our results indicate that at least six species of parasites are present in potamotrygonids in the region. Two of the observed parasites are putative new species and three of the parasitic species were identified for the first time in the region, hence expanding their geographic distributions. We quantified ecological aspects at different levels of communities for the collected parasite species. We compared the diversity in different locations and hosts and performed an exploratory analysis to investigate the differences in parasite abundance. Additionally, an identification key for the Monogenea and Cestoda species of the sampled region is provided.

Helminth Fauna of Buffaloes Bubalus bubalis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Northeastern Foothills of the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan

The article is devoted the study of the helminth fauna of buffaloes in the north-eastern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. The study was conducted in 15 buffaloes by partial necropsy in different zones (plain, foothills, mountainous) and 23 species of helminths were detected. The helminth fauna consisted of 4 species of trematodes, 5 species of cestodes and 14 species of nematodes. The extent intensity and nature of spread of detected helminth species were analyzed.

Helminth Fauna of Bats of the Rostov Region: Review. 2. Cestoda

Introduction. The class Cestoda is divided into two subclasses: the Cestodaria — unsegmented tapeworms, and the Eucestoda — true cestodes. The representatives of the orders Pseudophyllidea and Cyclophyllidae, which are part of the subclass of true cestodes parasitize in carnivorous mammals. At the same time, only representatives of the latter order parasitize in chiropterans. Data on the species composition and distribution of cestodes in the Rostov region have not been published yet. The list of bat species living in the Rostov region have been compiled previously. In this article, the authors study the cestode fauna parasitizing in chiropterans in the region under study. This review aims to analyse the current state of knowledge about the species composition of helminths parasitizing in bats in the Rostov region.Materials and Methods. The research materials have been obtained from the libraries and open access resources: PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), CyberLeninka (cyberleninka.ru), Google Scholar (scholar.google.com), BHL (www.biodiversitylibrary.org ), JSTOR (www.jstor.org), etc. Some data has been provided by the colleagues. Results. 17 species of cestodes of 4 genera, 1 family and 1 order can be found in 15 species of bats living in the Rostov region. Among them dominate the species of the genus Vampirolepis (11 species).Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the review carried out showed that maximum diversity of cestodes was found in one species of bats — the serotine bat (10 species). The smallest number of cestode species (1 per each) was found in the giant and lesser noctules. None of the cestode species found in bats in the Rostov region were recorded in companion animals or humans. However, some cestode species of the Hymenolepididae family, common in rodents, can infect the humans.

Helminths of the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) from breeding colonies in north-central Poland

Among parasites of the digestive tract of the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in Poland, the best known are species of digenetic trematodes and cestodes. Nematodes of this bird species are not well known. Black-headed gulls, due to their varied diet, migration, life in a flock, and changes of habitat, can become infected with various species of helminths, and like synanthropic birds, they can spread the dispersal stages of parasites across urban and recreational areas. In the present study, an attempt was made to identify the helminth fauna of C. ridibundus from breeding colonies in north-central Poland. The aim of the study was to describe the taxonomic structure of parasites of the digestive tract of the black-headed gull and determine the quantitative parameters of their occurrence. A total of 43 black-headed gulls were examined post-mortem for gastrointestinal helminths, resulting in the identification of four cestodes (Paricterotaenia porosa, Lateriporus clerci, Anomotaenia micracantha, and Wardium fusum), three trematodes (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, Plagiorchis laricola, and Apophallus muehlingi), and three nematodes (Eucoleus contortus, Cosmocephalus obvelatus, and Porrocaecum ensicaudatum). Lateriporus clerci (in adult form), C. obvelatus and P. ensicaudatum (in larval form) were recorded for the first time in the black-headed gull in Poland.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites are significant agents of intestinal infection with public health implications worldwide. This study aimed to ascertain intestinal parasites among students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State. A total of 138 Stool samples were collected from students in hostels and off campus and examined using the direct wet preparation and formol-ether concentration techniques. The overall prevalence of 18.84% was recorded with a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in samples collected from male subjects (23.61%) compared to the female individuals (13.63%) however, there was no statically significant difference (P>0.05) in prevalence between males and females subjects. The intestinal parasites species identified and their respective prevalence were: two species of nematodes; hookworm (26.92%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (46.15), a species of cestode- Taenia saginata (15.38%) and trematode- Schistosoma mansoni (11.58%). Gastrointestinal parasitic infection was higher in male hostel (50.00%) followed by female hostel (13.46%) and the least was recorded from the student village that is those students who live off campus (11.58%) although statistically, there is no significant difference between the location (P>0.05). The study showed that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the study area (especially male hostel) therefore, there is a need to encourage adequate personal hygiene and sanitation. Also, further study should be carried out on the impact of parasitic infection on academic performance of the students.

Helminth parasites of impalas, Aepyceros melampus, in eastern southern Africa, collected during 1973 to 2007.

This paper summarises published and unpublished data on helminths collected systematically from 424 impalas at 11 localities in eastern southern Africa, from St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to the Tuli Block in north-eastern Botswana. It includes data on collections in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in the drought of 1982, and in 1992/93 following the 1991/92 drought. Thirty-three species of nematodes, plus six taxa identified only to the generic level, three taxa of trematodes, and three species of cestodes were collected. Helminth species richness was highest in the southern KNP and lowest in the Tuli Block. The prevalence and intensity of infection of several helminths also declined from KZN and the southern KNP to the drier areas in the north and west. With the exception of St. Lucia and Nylsvley, > 80% of the helminths collected at each locality were collected in the southern KNP. St. Lucia was the most dissimilar locality; of the 20 helminths collected, five were unique. Ten of 33 species of nematodes, the paramphistomines (Trematoda) and the cestode Stilesia hepatica were collected at seven or more localities. Six of the most common nematodes, Cooperia hungi, Cooperioides hamiltoni, Impalaia tuberculata, Longistrongylus sabie, Strongyloides papillosus and Trichostrongylus deflexus are primarily parasites of impalas in the southern KNP, whereas many of the helminths collected at only one or two localities are parasites of other hosts. Nematode burdens were increased in the drought affected impalas in 1982, but helminth burdens decreased in 1992/93 following a dry cycle.

Aberrant sparganosis in cat caused by Spirometra mansoni (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae): a case report

BackgroundSparganosis is a rare zoonotic disease caused by plerocercoid larvae of the genera Spirometra or Sparganum (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae). The larvae of Spirometra generally do not undergo asexual reproduction, whereas those of Sparganum can induce proliferative lesions in infected tissues. This paper presents an unusual case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with Spirometra mansoni in a cat, normally considered a definitive host of the species.Case presentationA 9-year-old male domestic cat was presented with a mass on the right side of the face that underwent progressive enlargement for 1 month. The morphological and histopathological examinations revealed multiple asexual proliferative cestode larvae in the lesions, suggestive of proliferative sparganosis. Next-generation sequencing analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of surgically excised tissue indicated that the worm was Spirometra mansoni.ConclusionAlthough S. mansoni a common tapeworm species found in the small intestine of domestic cats and dogs in Japan, proliferative sparganosis is extremely rare. This is the first confirmed case of proliferative sparganosis due to infection with S. mansoni in cat.

Ecto- and helminths of <i>Columba livia</i> and <i>Streptopelia roseogrisea</i> in Alimosho community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Fifty wild columbids (25 each of Columba livia and Streptopelia roseogrisea) were trapped in Alimosho, Lagos State, Nigeria from January to June 2022 and examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths following standard procedures. Three (6%) of the birds were infested with two species of ectoparasites. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection were: Gonoides gigas 6% and 0.34±SD; Columbicola columbae 6% and 0.14±SD respectively. Thirty-two (64%) of the birds were infected with helminths, represented by three species of cestodes and one species of nematode. The prevalence and mean intensity of infection of the cestodes were as follows: Raillientina echinobothrida 50% and 25±SD), Raillientina tetragona 40% and 20±SD and Raillientina cesticillus 20% and 10±SD, while the nematode recovered was Ascarida galli with prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 4% and 2±SD. Only 9.4% of the birds studied harboured triple infections, while 6.3% of the birds had double infection. The prevalence of gastro intestinal helminths within Streptopelia roseogrisea was higher for cestodes (p< 0.05) and for ectoparasitic infestation, Gonoides gigas had the highest prevalence (6%; p< 0.05). The overall prevalence (64.00%) of parasitic infection among columbids in this study was high, with Raillientina sp, a zoonotic parasite, dominating the infections. This demands for control, considering the close proximity of pigeons to man.

Investigating Pulmonary Hydatidosis: A Narrative Review

Context: Pulmonary hydatidosis (PH) is a zoonotic illness caused by infection with the Echinococcus tapeworm species. About 20% of the infected individuals have lung involvement in this disease, which is epidemiologically secondary to liver disease. Evidence Acquisition: A comprehensive literature search was performed via the Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Search terms were "pulmonary hydatidosis," "lung hydatidosis," "Pulmonary echinococcosis," "lung echinococcosis," "Pulmonary hydatid cyst," and "Lung hydatid cyst." The search period of 1980 to 2022 was chosen to compare research from different eras. Results: Echinococcal cysts most frequently develop in the liver and then in the lungs. After a cyst ruptures, the symptoms of lung infestation can cause a quick onset of hemoptysis, fever, coughing, and chest discomfort. Serology is added to radiology to support the diagnosis. The primary investigation for a pulmonary hydatid cyst is a chest x-ray and computed tomography. Surgery or medical treatment may be used to treat PH. The most favored form of treatment is surgical intervention, while medications might be helpful in certain individuals, with benzimidazoles, such as albendazole, as the most common drugs administered orally as part of pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: Given the significant negative effects of PH on individuals, prevention should be emphasized, especially in endemic regions.

Integrative taxonomy of metazoan parasites of the bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Mediterranean Sea, with the resurrection of Grillotia acanthoscolex Rees, 1944 (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha).

Appropriate diagnoses of parasites of apex marine predators are crucial to understand their biodiversity, host specificity, biogeography, and life cycles. Such diagnoses are also informative of ecological and biological characteristics of both host and environment in which the hosts and their parasites live. We here (i) investigate the parasite fauna of a bluntnose sixgill shark Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788) obtained from the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea), (ii) characterize molecularly all its metazoan parasites, and (iii) resurrect and report the main morphological features and phylogenetic position of Grillotia acanthoscolex, a cestode species previously synonymized with Grillotia adenoplusia. A rich parasite fauna represented by eight different taxa was found, including two monogeneans (Protocotyle grisea and Protocotyle taschenbergi), one digenean (Otodistomum veliporum), four cestodes (Crossobothrium dohrnii, Clistobothrium sp., G. acanthoscolex, and G. adenoplusia), and one copepod (Protodactylina pamelae). Sequencing of these samples accounts for an important molecular baseline to widen the knowledge on the parasitic fauna of bluntnose sixgill sharks worldwide and to reconstruct their correct food chains. The bluntnose sixgill shark was found to be a definitive host for all endoparasites found here, confirming that it occupies an apex trophic level in the Mediterranean Sea. The taxa composition of the trophic parasite fauna confirms that the bluntnose sixgill shark mostly feeds on teleost fish species. However, the occurrence of two phillobothrid cestodes (C. dohrnii and Clistobothrium sp.) suggests that it also feeds on squids. Finally, we emphasize the importance of using integrative taxonomic approaches in the study of parasites from definitive and intermediate hosts to elucidate biology and ecology of taxa generally understudied in the Mediterranean Sea.

First Report of Intestinal Cestode Infection in a Berylline Hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) in Mexico.

Up to now, five cestode species have been reported infecting five hummingbird species. To date, there have been no reports of cestode infections in hummingbirds in Mexico. A Berylline hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina) was found dead in a backyard at Toluca City, Mexico, and a window collision was assumed as the cause of death. The bird was preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for routine histological examination. At the histological study, liver parenchymal disruption was observed. This lesion could be the result of the assume collision. No lesions were observed in other tissues examined. Conspicuous cestode structures were observed in the lumen of the small intestine. Structure of cestodes, as revealed from histological sections, suggests their position in the genus Anonchotaenia Cohn, 1900 (family Paruterinidae). This is the first report of intestinal cestodosis in a Beryllinehummingbird (S. beryllina) in Mexico.

Intestinal helminth parasites of Felis catus in Syangja, Nepal

Domestic cats can be infested by a huge range of parasite species, leading to a range of diverse clinical signs and symptoms. However, a comprehensive understanding of these endoparasites, particularly in the context of multiparasitism, remains limited. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites on domestic cats in Arjunchaupari Rural Municipality of Syangja District, Nepal. The study was carried out from November 2017 to June 2018. A total of 30 fresh feline fecal samples were collected and examined by using the Saline wet method and sedimentation technique. Overall, 21 (70%) fecal samples were found to be positive for different parasitic infections. Four different helminth parasitic species were encountered as Toxocara cati (40%), Toxascaris leonina (16.67%), and Ancylostoma tubaeforme (10%) belonging to nematodes and a species of cestode: Hymenolepis diminuta (6.67%). Nematode infection (66.67%) was found to be comparatively more common than cestode infection (6.67%). Statistically, the relationship between the cestode and nematode parasite is significant (x2 = 0.232, p>0.05). The high incidence of parasitism of cats was due to the relative influence of behaviour and a contaminated environment since these cats lived in the same environment as other domestic animals. The study recommended that studies on all kinds of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoan parasites, would be better to get more knowledge about parasites and their risk of transmission.

Diagnosis of <em>Moniezia expansa</em> in Babylon and Karbala butchery's sheep

Moniezia expansa is a prevalent species of tapeworm that poses potential health risks to sheep and other ruminant animals. Its distribution is global, including regions such as Babylon and Karbala. The diagnosis of Moniezia expansa in sheep processed through butcheries and abattoirs in these areas typically follows a structured approach. A crucial aspect of the diagnostic process involves postmortem examination, where butchers and inspectors meticulously inspect the sheep's intestines. The small intestines, particularly the jejunum and ileum, often serve as habitats for Moniezia expansa tapeworms. During visual inspection, professionals identify the presence of adult tapeworms or their segments. Subsequently, the identified tapeworm segments undergo specific identification procedures. Typical Moniezia expansa segments exhibit a flat and rectangular shape, often appearing broader than their length and extending several centimeters. Between March 2020 and February 2021, 266 random samples of small intestines were collected from sheep slaughtered in Babylon and Karbala butcheries. The study results indicate that the parasite had a widespread presence in both regions, with infection rates of 30.45% (37.78%, 28.47%) for Babylon and Karbala, respectively. The highest infection rate, reaching 48.71%, was observed during the summer season, particularly in July.

Identification, Pathogenicity, Public Health, and Economic Importance of Tapeworms of Poultry

Tapeworms of poultry are a group of cestodes that parasitize the intestinal tract of chickens and other birds. They cause economic losses due to reduced production, growth retardation, weight loss, and mortality. In Ethiopia, several species of tapeworms have been reported in poultry, especially in free-range systems and low land areas. The most common genera are Davainea, Hymenolepis, Amoebotaenia, Choanotaenia, and Raillietina. These tapeworms have complex life cycles that require arthropod or other invertebrate intermediate hosts, such as snails, beetles, ants, and earthworms. The birds become infected by ingesting these intermediate hosts that contain the infective larval stage of the tapeworms. The larvae then attach to the mucosa of the intestine and change themselves to adult tapeworms that produce eggs or proglottids that are passed in the feces. Tapeworm infections can cause various clinical signs and pathological lesions in poultry, depending on the species, number, and location of the worms. Some of the common signs are diarrhea, anorexia, emaciation, weakness, ruffled feathers, slow movement, and rapid breathing. Some tapeworms can also cause intestinal blockage, hemorrhage, nodular growth, and catarrhal enteritis. Tapeworm infections can also predispose the birds to other diseases by impairing their immunity and nutrition. However, other chicken diseases may have similar symptoms and effects like tapeworm infections, so deferential diagnosis should be done at the laboratory level or post-mortem examination. The treatment and control of tapeworm infections in poultry are challenging because of the presence of intermediate hosts that serve as sources of infection. Prevention of birds from contact with intermediate hosts is the most important step that should be taken in the control of tapeworm infection. This can be achieved by improving the hygiene and sanitation of the poultry houses and yards, providing clean water and feed, preventing access to wild birds and rodents that may carry intermediate hosts, and using insecticides or biological agents to reduce intermediate host populations. Tapeworms of poultry are a significant problem in Ethiopia and other tropical countries where free-range systems and low land areas are common. They cause economic losses and affect the health and welfare of poultry. Therefore, more attention should be given to their identification, pathogenicity, public health, and economic importance.

Prevalence of taeniasis and sero - prevalence of anti - cysticercus antibody among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province

To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of taeniasis and cysticercosis among residents in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province, so as to provide insights for the prevention and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis. From 2016 to 2022, Kangding City, Daocheng County, Derong County, Ruoergai County and Muli Tibetan Autonomous County were sampled from Tibetan agricultural areas of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, and 1 to 6 townships were sampled from each county (district), followed by 4 to 7 villages sampled from each township. Primary school children were sampled using a cluster sampling method, and permanent residents at ages of over 16 years were randomly sampled from each village. Participants' demographics, history of tapeworm excretion during the past year and clinical symptoms and signs of cysticercosis were collected through questionnaire surveys, and participants' stool and venous blood samples were collected. Taenia eggs were detected in stool samples using the direct smear method, and deworming was performed among taeniasis patients with areca nut-squash seeds. The tapeworm species were identified using a multiplex PCR assay, and serum specific IgG antibody against cysticercus was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 5 249 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey, including 603 respondents (11.5%) with a self-reported history of proglottids secretion during the past year. A total of 3 976 residents were subjected to stool examinations, and the detection of Taenia eggs was 6.5%. Of 258 participants undergoing deworming, there were 403 cases (94.2%) with excretions of Taenia worms or proglottids. The mean prevalence of taeniasis was 10.9% (439/4 043), and there were gender-, age- and region-specific prevalence rates of taeniasis (χ2 = 36.73, 126.31 and 163.41, all P values < 0.05). Multiplex PCR assays detected 41 cases with T. solium infections (12.5%), 197 cases with T. saginata infections (59.9%) and 91 cases with T. asiatica infections (27.6%) among 329 patients undergoing deworming, and there were region-specific prevalence rates of T. solium, T. saginata and T. asiatica infections (χ2 = 45.39, P < 0.05). In addition, the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody was 7.0% (345/4 933), and there were age- and region-specific sero-prevalence rates of anti-cysticercus IgG antibody (χ2 = 13.49 and 51.76, both P values < 0.05). Multiple Taenia species are prevalent in Tibetan agricultural areas of Sichuan Province and the sero-prevalence of anti-cysticercus antibody is high among residents. Monitoring and control of taeniasis and cysticercosis should be strengthened.