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Melatonin is a pleiotropic neurohormone found in different animal, plant, and microorganism species. It is a product resulting from tryptophan metabolism in the pineal gland and is widely known for its ability to synchronize the circadian rhythm to antitumor functions in different types of cancers. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant and cytoprotective effects involve binding to high-affinity G protein-coupled receptors and interactions with intracellular targets that modulate signal transduction pathways. In vitro and in vivo studies have reported the therapeutic potential of melatonin in different infectious and parasitic diseases. In this review, the protective and pathophysiological roles of melatonin in fighting protozoan and helminth infections and the possible mechanisms involved against these stressors will be discussed. • Melatonin is an indole hormone with different functions, from antioxidant activity to immunomodulation. • Melatonin has activity against protozoa by acting, above all, directly and indirectly in the infectious process. • Melatonin reduces the impact of the infectious process caused by helminths, especially by inducing protection against oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic diseases of wild animals represent an important area of research. In addition to the significant impact on wildlife health and fitness, many parasitic diseases have zoonotic implications. Due to limited scientific information, this research aimed to investigate parasitic diseases in wildlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), focusing on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H), emphasizing zoonotic species. In the period from April 2020 to November 2022, we conducted research on 9 wildlife species. We analyzed fecal samples to detect and identify diagnostic stages (eggs, larvae, cysts, and oocysts) of various animal endoparasites using coprological methods, such as sedimentation, flotation, and the Baermann technique. The MERIFLUOR® Cryptosporidium/Giardia test was also used for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. In the case of red foxes, intestinal samples were examined using the intestinal scraping technique to detect adult helminths. All collected muscle samples were subjected to the artificial digestion method for Trichinella detection. From 1,278 samples, 70.9% were positive. Parasitic infections were confirmed in 15.9% (11/69) of bears; 83.7% (262/313) of red foxes; 67.6% (44/65) of wolves; 25% (1/4) of wildcats; 20% (1/5) of badger; 43.7% (7/16) of martens; 39.7% (76/191) of wild boars; 84.5% (350/414) of deer, and 77.1% (155/201) of hares. The finding of zoonotic parasites (Toxocara canis, Uncinaria spp., Trichinella spp., Echinococcus spp. etc.) is particularly important due to their potential detrimental effects on human health, which highlights the need for further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in the population of the Pirot's autochthonous sheep in the area of Stara Planina Mountain, East Serbia. The production characteristics of sheep, milk yield and body weight, were observed. Oestrus is most pronounced in July (58%), then in August (33%), while lambs reach a weight of 22 kg at three months. Before experiment flock from which separated animals from examination we were examined to presence of parasitic infection, with coprological examination. A total of 21 animals were examined after slaughter. We revealed same gastrointestinal helminths: Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Dictyocaulus filaria, Ostertagia circumcincta, Os.ostertagi, Trchostrongylus axe, Tr colubriformis, Nematodirus filicollis, N,spathige, Haemonchus contortu, Marshallagia marshalli, Chabertia ovina, Oesophagostomum venulosumand Bunostomum trigonocephalum. After that, from herd were separated 100 one year old sheep and individually coprological examined to confirm the presence of parasite infections. The sheep were divided into two groups of 50 animals each - experimental and control group. First group has treated with the albendazole-based anthelmintic in dose 7.5 mg/kg through food. The second group has treated after the examination with same anthelmintic. A comparison of the obtained results indicates that in the group of treated animals body weight was average higher by 4.4 kg and milk yield was average higher by 231.08 g. The parasites significantly affected the weight and daily milk yield of sheep. The conclusion is that serious prevention in terms of sheep parasites is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted in the population of the Pirot's autochthonous sheep in the area of Stara Planina Mountain, East Serbia. The production characteristics of sheep, milk yield and body weight, were observed. Oestrus is most pronounced in July (58%), then in August (33%), while lambs reach a weight of 22 kg at three months. Before experiment flock from which separated animals from examination we were examined to presence of parasitic infection, with coprological examination. A total of 21 animals were examined after slaughter. We revealed same gastrointestinal helminths: Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Dictyocaulus filaria, Ostertagia circumcincta, Os.ostertagi, Trchostrongylus axe, Tr colubriformis, Nematodirus filicollis, N,spathige, Haemonchus contortu, Marshallagia marshalli, Chabertia ovina, Oesophagostomum venulosumand Bunostomum trigonocephalum. After that, from herd were separated 100 one year old sheep and individually coprological examined to confirm the presence of parasite infections. The sheep were divided into two groups of 50 animals each - experimental and control group. First group has treated with the albendazole-based anthelmintic in dose 7.5 mg/kg through food. The second group has treated after the examination with same anthelmintic. A comparison of the obtained results indicates that in the group of treated animals body weight was average higher by 4.4 kg and milk yield was average higher by 231.08 g. The parasites significantly affected the weight and daily milk yield of sheep. The conclusion is that serious prevention in terms of sheep parasites is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections continue to be a burden for developing countries—the lack of hygiene measures and clean water results in dangerous scenarios that can lead to challenging problems. Most Ascaris lumbricoides infections are usually mild; nonetheless, in rare cases in endemic regions, they can migrate to the bile duct and cause severe complications requiring surgery. We present the case of a 43-year-old woman who had severe cholangitis due to A. lumbricoides. The worm migrated from the bowel and obstructed the bile duct; after surgery, the patient fully recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]