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[Display omitted] • Morphological and ecological attributes of parasite species did not contribute to parasite beta-diversity. • Contribution of parasite species to their beta-diversity depended on mean abundance and/or prevalence. • The effect of host sex or age on their contribution to parasite beta-diversity was detected in a few species only. We searched for common patterns in parasite ecology by investigating species and host contributions to the beta-diversity of infracommunities (=assemblages of parasites harboured by a host individual) in helminths of three species of South African ungulates and fleas of 11 species of South American rodents, assuming that a comparison of patterns in distinctly different parasites and hosts would allow us to judge the generality or, at least, commonness of these patterns. We used data on species' composition and numbers of parasites and asked whether (i) parasite species' attributes (life cycle, transmission mode, and host specificity in helminths; possession of sclerotized combs, microhabitat preference, and host specificity in fleas) or their population structure (mean abundance and/or prevalence) and (ii) host characteristics (sex and age) affect parasite and host species' contributions to parasite beta-diversity (SCBD and HCBD, respectively). We found that parasite species' morphological and ecological attributes were mostly not associated with their SCBD. In contrast, parasite SCBD, in both ungulates and rodents, significantly increased with either parasite mean abundance or prevalence or both. The effect of host characteristics on HCBD was detected in a few hosts only. In general, parasite infracommunities' beta-diversity appeared to be driven by variation in parasite species rather than the uniqueness of the assemblages harboured by individual hosts. We conclude that some ecological patterns (such as the relationships between SCBD and parasite abundance/prevalence) appear to be common and do not differ between different host-parasite associations in different geographic regions, whereas other patterns (the relationships between SCBD and parasite species' attributes) are contingent and depend on parasite and host identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Highlight: Mistrick, J., Veitch, J. S. M., Kitchen, S. M., Clague, S., Newman, B. C., Hall, R. J., Budischak, S. A., Forbes, K. M., & Craft, M. E. (2024). Effects of food supplementation and helminth removal on space use and spatial overlap in wild rodent populations. Journal of Animal Ecology. http://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14067. The spread of pathogens has been of long‐standing interest, even before dramatic outbreaks of avian influenza and the coronavirus pandemic spiked broad public interest. However, the dynamics of pathogen spread in wild populations are complex, with multiple effects shaping where animals go (their space use), population density and, more fundamentally, the resultant patterns of contacts (direct or indirect) among individuals. Thus, experimental studies exploring the dynamics of contact under different sets of conditions are needed. In the current field study, Mistrick et al. (2024) used a multifactorial experimental design, manipulating food availability and individual pathogen infection state in wild bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). They found that while food availability, individual traits and seasonality can affect how far individual voles moved, the degree of overlap between individual voles remained largely the same despite a high variation in population density—which itself was affected by food availability. These results highlight how biotic and abiotic factors can shape patterns of space use and balance the level of spatial overlap through multiple pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cockroaches are resilient insects that thrive in various environments, including public markets. These creatures can act as mechanical vectors for intestinal helminths, posing a risk to human health. This study aimed to identify and measure the infestation rate of intestinal helminths in cockroaches from Bankerohan Public Market and Agdao Public Market in Davao City. Cockroaches were collected using specialized traps via the "catch-and-release" method, and the presence of intestinal parasites on their external surfaces was determined. The study found that cockroaches from both markets harbored Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides, with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest frequency and infestation rate among the entire population of cockroaches gathered from both markets. The infestation rate of Ascaris lumbricoides was higher in the Bankerohan public market compared to the Agdao public market; however, the findings reveal that there is no correlation between the frequency of the parasites and the public market studied, indicating that the occurrence of the parasites cannot be attributed to the location of the public markets. The study highlights the need for improved sanitation practices and awareness to control parasite transmission through cockroaches, which can serve as vectors for these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the correlation between the presence of parasites in soil and the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5 at Purok 15 Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City. The research design was descriptive and correlational. The researchers gathered the weight and height of children aged 3 to 5 in Purok 15 of Barangay Tigatto, Davao City. Researchers identified the collected soil samples using a systematic sampling technique. Further, the study used Cobb's method to decant and sieve for detecting parasites. The weight and height were calculated to get the BMI. The mean and standard deviation were used to evaluate the nutritional status of the children and the level of parasites. Furthermore, Pearson r was used to determine the relationship between soil-transmitted helminths and the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Results showed that out of 25 samples, 32% of soil samples got positive results with an infectious parasite (Strongyloides stercoralis), while 68% of soil samples were negative from the parasite. Participants' weight (kgs) and height (cm) are normal. In line with this, the BMI of both male and female participants is normal. Also, results showed that the level of the parasites is very low. Moreover, the relationship between the soil-transmitted helminths did not significantly influence the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. In conclusion, the soil-transmitted helminths do not affect the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Hence, other factors may influence the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Moreover, since the relationship between STH and the nutritional status of children is not significant, the presence or absence of STH in the latrine area does not affect the nutritional status of children under 3 to 5 years old. Thus, immediate action toward STH elimination could prevent the production of more parasites that could lead to a parasite-free environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrient content of host resources can influence the abundance of parasites within an ecosystem, but linking specific nutrients in a host to the abundance of different parasite taxa remains a challenge. Here, we work to forge this link by quantifying the relationship between the nutrient content of specific infection sites and the abundance of multiple parasite taxa within the digestive tract of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) collected from the Mississippi River. To generate a mechanistic understanding of these relationships, we tested four basic predictions: (1) the nutrient content of different host tissues (infection sites) varies within and across hosts, (2) the nutrient content of parasite genera differs from that of their host tissue(s), (3) the nutrient content of parasite genera differ from one another and (4) the nutrient content of host tissues is related to the nutrient content and abundance of parasite genera. We found support for each of these predictions. We found stoichiometric differences between the digestive tissues we examined. We also found that across hosts, intestine and pyloric caeca C:N ratios increased and %N decreased with fish condition factor. Both of the actively feeding parasitic genera we measured had lower C:N ratios compared to both their host tissue and other encysted/non‐reproductive genera, suggesting the potential for N limitation of these parasites in the intestines or pyloric caeca of hosts. Consistent with this possibility, we found that the total number of actively feeding parasitic worms in the pyloric caeca increased with that tissue's N:P ratio (but was not related to host condition factor). Our results suggest that parasites encounter significant variation in nutrient content within and across hosts and that this variation may influence the abundance of actively feeding parasites. This work highlights the need for additional empirical comparisons of parasite stoichiometry across tissues and individual hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny" are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Simple Summary: We have conducted a 10-year coprological study of animals housed in two zoological institutions with different housing conditions to assess parasite biodiversity and prevalence, their relationship with host class (mammal/bird), diet (carnivorous/omnivorous/herbivorous), and enclosure characteristics (soil type, isolation from wild fauna), and evaluated the risk of transmission to humans. A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined, with 62.1% of mammal species and 12.8% of avian species testing positive. Statistically significant differences were found based on diet type; few carnivorous species were detected infected, primarily by nematodes, while many herbivorous and omnivorous species were primarily infected by protists. No statistically significant differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible). Several parasite species found in the study (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantioides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. Regular analyses of the animals and implementation and follow-up of health programs would minimise transmission risks between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites. [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]

We assessed the prevalence of soil-associated parasites and non-pathogenic nematodes in eight public areas of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil), the most populous city in Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samplings were carried out during the winter of 2022 and summer of 2023: A total of 80 samples were collected in winter and 80 in summer (ten samples from each sampling site per season), totaling 160 soil samples. The frequency of microscopic non-pathogenic nematode larvae was significantly higher (p = 0.048) in winter (93.75%) than in summer (82.50%). Considering the pooled data from winter and summer (n = 160) for human pathogenic parasites, the following frequencies were observed (using microscopy analysis): hookworm (filariform) larvae (1.25%), hookworm (rhabditiform) larvae (11.25%), Strongyloides spp. (filariform) larvae (0.63%), Strongyloides spp. (rhabditiform) larvae (2.5%), hookworm eggs (10.63%), Ascaris spp. eggs (10.00%), and Trichuris spp. eggs (1.25%). Hookworm (rhabditiform) larvae were the most frequent parasitic structures (15.00%) in winter, and A. lumbricoides eggs were the most frequent parasitic structures (8.75%) in summer. No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of pathogenic parasites between the seasons (p > 0.05). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was assessed, but all soil samples tested negative in molecular analysis. Our results indicate that soil from many regions of Porto Alegre shows a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths, indicating the need for improvements in social conditions and environmental sanitation in the city. Our study also suggests that climate change may affect soil biodiversity, potentially harming non-pathogenic nematodes and favoring human pathogenic parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the present review, information about parasitic helminths (Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala) of wild birds in Ecuador is presented based on a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) systematic search. Data were obtained from ten scientific articles, eight undergraduate theses, and one doctoral dissertation, published between 1966 to 2022. Forty helminth taxa were recorded, and information about the host species, site of infection, and location are provided. This review serves as a compendium for future ecological and epidemiological studies on helminths in wild birds from Ecuador. Parasitic helminths are diverse in wild birds globally, but knowledge about helminths in Ecuadorian avifauna is still fragmentary. In the present review, records about helminths (Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala) in Ecuadorian wild birds is presented. A systematic search was carried out using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guideline to compile and summarize the available literature on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador. Data were obtained from ten scientific articles, eight undergraduate theses, and one doctoral dissertation, published between 1966 to 2022. Forty helminth taxa were recorded and information about the host species, site of infection, and location are provided. Nematodes of the genus Ascaridia Dujardin, 1844 were the helminth taxa with the greatest number of records in birds, parasitizing 16 avian species. Also, the Rock Dove (Columba livia; Gmelin, 1789) was the avian species with the greater number of helminth records (n = 11). This review serves as a compendium for future ecological and epidemiological studies on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichostrongylus colubriformis is a parasitic helminth that primarily infects small ruminants, causing substantial economic losses in the livestock industry. Exploring the microbiome of this helminth might provide insights into the potential influence of its microbial community on the parasite's survival. We characterised the intestinal microbiome of T. colubriformis that had been collected from the duodenum of sheep, and compared the helminth microbiome with the duodenal microbiome of its host, aiming to identify contributions from the helminth's environment. At the same time, we explored the isolation of fastidious organisms from the harvested helminth. Primary alpha and beta diversity analyses of bacterial species revealed statistically significant differences between the parasite and the host, in terms of species richness and ecological composition. 16S rRNA differential abundance analysis showed that Mycoplasmoides and Stenotrophomonas were significantly present in T. colubriformis but not in the duodenal microbiome of the sheep. Furthermore, two bacteria, Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila, were isolated from T. colubriformis. Examinations of the genome highlight differences in genome size and profiles of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our results suggest that T. colubriformis carries a specific bacterial community that could be supporting the helminth's long-term survival in the host's digestive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. Methods: Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. Results: In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. Conclusions: The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population. [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]

Despite being an important component of the freshwater ecosystems and an important factor controlling wild fish populations, Amazonian fish parasites have been poorly studied. Here, we analyzed the fauna of metazoan parasites from 10 detritivorous and omnivorous fish species from Amapá Lake in the western Amazon. Of 159 fish specimens examined, 73.6% were parasitized by one or more species of metazoan parasites. A total of 5,260 parasites (24 Monogenea, 14 Nematoda, 10 Digenea, 2 Acanthocephala, and 6 Crustacea) were identified. Aggregated dispersion pattern of parasites was observed. There was a predominance of endohelminth species that presented a similar pattern regarding the level of component communities (i.e., a low species number, low diversity and dominance of a single species, mainly the digeneans and nematodes in their larval stages). Five species of parasites presented correlation with the body size of the hosts. In the fish community, the presence of endoparasites in the larval and adult stages suggests that these are intermediate, paratenic and definitive hosts, reflecting their detritivorous or omnivorous feeding habits. The trophic level and diet had an influence on the structuring of endohelminth communities and infracommunities. Lastly, 38% of the metazoan parasite species were new records for examined hosts. [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]

• Helminths cause impacts on dog breeding and pose a significant zoonotic risk. • Chemical products generate waste that impacts animal, human and environmental health. • Alternative methods are needed to control helminthiasis. • Helminthophagous fungi are potential tools for controlling helminths. • A. robusta and M. thaumasium are suitable candidates for helminth control. Helminths are a major challenge in dog breeding, particularly affecting young animals and posing a significant zoonotic risk. The widespread use of anthelmintics to treat gastrointestinal helminth infections in companion animals is common. However, these chemical products generate residues that can have adverse effects on animal, human and environmental health. In addition to the challenge of parasite resistance to treatment, there is an urgent need to explore and discuss complementary and sustainable methods of controlling helminthiases in these animals. In this context, nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi have emerged as a potential tool for the control of environmental forms of helminths. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the importance of these fungi in the control of free-living forms of helminth parasites in companion animals by highlighting the research that has been conducted for this purpose. In vitro experiments demonstrated the efficacy of fungi like Pochonia chlamydosporia, Arthrobotrys robusta , and Monacrosporium thaumasium in trapping and reducing helminth infective forms. These findings, along with soil contamination studies, suggest the feasibility of using helminthophagous fungi as a sustainable and effective strategy for environmental control. The current literature supports the potential of these fungi as an environmentally friendly solution for managing helminthiasis in dogs, benefiting both animal health and public welfare. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the discovery of shell-boring parasitic worms in a natural saltwater pearl, revealing a Y-shaped channel with finer branches, its unique location within the pearl's structure and the rarity of such channels in pearls compared to shells.

Background: the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a companion animal‚ and its interaction with humans plays a role in public health‚ so it can be a source of various infectious and parasitic agents that can endanger human health. Methods: were analyzed 661 coproparasitic examinations results‚ obtained from a reference laboratory (EJELAB®)‚ over a four-year period. The data were analyzed employing a simple logistic regression in which the response variable was positivity to a parasite and its coefficients were interpreted in terms of the odds ratio (OR) by applying the equation (eβ) ‚ and Stata v14 program was used for statistical analysis. Objective: determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic felines‚ by breed‚ sex and age. Results: the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in felines studied during the period‚ showed a higher prevalence with an increasing trend during the years 2020 to 2022 (36.8 % and 49.2 % respectively) compared to previous years (p < 0.05). The felines were in the age range of 6 months to 36 months‚ and of the 661 feline records an average overall positive rate of 31.8 % was found. The present study showed a positivity rate for helminths (Ancylostomidae) of 12.6 %‚ 2.02 % (Toxocaridae)‚ and 1.16 % (Dipylididae) compared to similar studies reported by CAPC (2017). Regarding the breed‚ it was found that mongrels presented the highest quantity and diversity of parasitosis species‚ likewise‚ according to the OR calculation that American Shorthair‚ and Persian cats had a lower probability of presenting parasitosis (OR 0.39 and 0.30 respectively)‚ this means that there would be a risk reduction ≥ 60 % compared to crossbred cats (p < 0.01). Moreover‚ sex was not found to be associated with the frequency of parasites‚ so males and females presented parasitosis in an equal proportion of about 30 %. Conclusions: this is the first known report on the prevalence of endoparasites in domestic felids in this geographic area. Our study reported endoparasite prevalence data much higher than those observed by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) during the same period and with a similar population sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]