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Fasciolosis is a zoonotic neglected parasitic disease that affects a variety of hosts, resulting in substantial economic losses. The epidemiological information about fasciolosis in water buffaloes in Egypt is very scarce. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of F. hepatica in water buffaloes using commercial ELISA kits in three governorates at north of Egypt and to estimate the associated risk factors for F. hepatica infection. The total seroprevalence of F. hepatica in buffaloes was 15.4% (63/410), with a higher seroprevalence in Kafr Elsheikh governorates 17.9% (25/140) than in other areas. Fasciolosis was more likely in older buffaloes (OR = 3.4, 95%CI:1.5–7.8), throughout the winter season (OR = 5.3, 95%CI:1.9–14.7). Moreover, the absence of prophylactic treatment (OR = 2.3, 95%CI:1.2–4.2) increased the risk of F. hepatica infection in buffaloes, particularly in animals suffered from diarrhea (OR = 3.8, 95%CI:1.4–10.6). The present study confirmed the prevalence of F. hepatica in water buffaloes in north of Egypt. Consequently, the implementation of preventive and control for the parasite and its intermediate host are very necessary to decrease the economic losses and public health hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated herein the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep at Sejnane slaughterhouse, governorate of Bizerte, Northwest of Tunisia, using three different diagnostic techniques (liver dissection, bile examination, and coprology). Faeces, liver, gall bladder as well as blood samples were collected from 603 slaughtered sheep in two seasons: winter and summer. Faecal egg counts of F. hepatica were estimated using sedimentation technique. Livers were examined for the presence of flukes, and bile collected from gall bladder was examined by sedimentation technique for the presence of F. hepatica eggs. Faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal helminths were estimated using flotation followed by the McMaster technique. Blood samples were used to estimate blood cell count (RBC) (×106/mL), haemoglobin (Hb) (g/dL), and haematocrit (Ht) (%) levels. A total of 1714 F. hepatica flukes were collected from 68 infected livers, the number of flukes per sheep ranged between naught and 195. Bile examination (16.78% ± 1.83; 51/310) showed the higher infection prevalence, followed by liver dissection (11.28% ± 1.17; 68/603) and coprology (9.12% ± 1.08; 55/603) (p = 0.015). Infection prevalences were significantly higher in young sheep aged of less than 1 year (8.13% ± 1.22; 49/498), in cross‐bred sheep (10.61% ± 1.39%; 64/478), and in summer (7.13% ± 1.82; 43/293) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in infection prevalence by gastrointestinal helminths in F. hepatica‐infected and F. hepatica‐non‐infected animals (p > 0.05). The overall prevalence of F. hepatica‐infected anaemic sheep was higher (22.73% ± 4.47; 20/88) than F. hepatica‐non‐infected anaemic sheep (p < 0.05). Fasciola hepatica infection is frequent in sheep from Sejnane representing hence an important constraint for the development of the sheep industry in this region. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and implement a specific control programme to reduce fasciolosis infection risks including animal owners' education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a globally prevalent vector-borne disease that affects livestock and humans, with significant economic and zoonotic implications. In Nepal where livestock contributes to 11.5% of the GDP, fasciolosis poses a significant threat to the agriculture sector. The country's diverse geographical and climatic conditions contribute to the widespread prevalence of the disease. Domestic ruminants, including buffalo, cattle, goats, and sheep are extensively affected, with a prevalence rate ranging from 10.25% in goats to 68% in buffalo. The disease also impacts high-altitude regions, affecting even yaks in the Himalayas. Human infections are also on the rise, highlighting the zoonotic nature of the disease. This review provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of fasciolosis in Nepal, emphasizing its pathogenesis, epidemiology, and diagnosis. The review also assesses the strategies for controlling fasciolosis in Nepal, including anthelmintic treatments, vector control, and farm management practices. The challenges and limitations of these methods are discussed, underscoring the need for alternative strategies to prevent drug resistance and enhance disease management. Additionally, this paper proposes future directions for the management of fasciolosis in Nepal to provide a comprehensive and effective approach for controlling and managing the disease in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Biological invasions pose risks to the normal functioning of ecosystems by altering the structure and composition of several communities. Molluscs stand out as an extensively studied group given their long history of introduction by either natural or anthropogenic dispersal events. An alien population of the lymnaeid species Orientogalba viridis was first sighted in 2009 in southern Spain. In its native range (Australasian), this species is one of the main intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica, a major worldwide trematode parasite largely affecting humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Methods We collected field populations of O. viridis from its native (Malaysia) and invaded (Spain) ranges. We performed detailed morphoanatomical drawings of the species and screened for natural infection of parasites. Individuals were molecularly characterized using ITS2 for comparison with existing sequences in a fine phylogeography study. We founded experimental populations at two different conditions (tropical, 26 °C and temperate, 21 °C) to study the life-history traits of exposed and non-exposed individuals to different F. hepatica isolates. Results We found a 9% natural prevalence of trematode infection (98% similarity with a sequence of Hypoderaeum conoideum [Echinostomatidae]) in the Spanish field population. The haplotypes of O. viridis found in our study from Spain clustered with Australian haplotypes. Experimental infection with F. hepatica was successful in both experimental conditions but higher in tropical (87% prevalence) than in temperate (73%). Overall lifespan, however, was higher in temperate conditions (mean 32.5 ± 7.4 weeks versus 23.3 ± 6.5) and survivorship remained above 70% during the first 20 weeks. In parasite-exposed populations, life expectancy dropped from an overall 37.75 weeks to 11.35 weeks but still doubled the time for initial cercariae shedding. Cercariae shedding started at day 23 post-exposure and peaked between days 53 and 67 with an average of 106 metacercariae per snail. Conclusions Whether O. viridis will succeed in Europe is unknown, but the odds are for a scenario in which a major snail host of F. hepatica occupy all available habitats of potential transmission foci, ravelling the epidemiology of fasciolosis. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of O. viridis biology, interactions with parasites and potential implications for disease transmission dynamics, offering valuable insights for further research and surveillance. Graphical Abstract

Fasciolosis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola spp., is a significant parasitic disease of livestock and humans worldwide. Fasciola transmission and life cycle are highly dependent on climatic conditions, especially temperature and humidity. This dependency has gained significance in the context of ongoing climate change. This literature review examined evidence on the effects of temperature variability on the developmental stages of Fasciola spp. and the snail intermediate hosts. We reviewed free larval stages of Fasciola spp. development, as well as snail intermediate hosts, while investigating the climate-related factors influencing each stage. We found that Fasciola spp. egg hatching and development were inhibited below 10 °C and optimal between 20 and 30 °C, miracidia hatching time decreased with higher temperatures and cercarial shedding by snail hosts accelerated around 27 °C. Further, metacercarial viability declined at higher temperatures but was prolonged by higher humidity. Snail intermediate host growth rates peaked at 25 °C, and their susceptibility to Fasciola infection depends on temperature, underscoring its importance in transmission dynamics. Overall, the Fasciola life cycle and snail host development exhibit stage-specific temperature thresholds, indicating a complex relationship between temperature fluctuations and parasite transmission potential. This research highlights the key role of temperature and humidity on Fasciola spp. and snail development, shedding light on the potential consequences of climate change on their survival, development, and disease transmission. Data limitations, primarily from the scarcity of high-resolution climate-related experiments, should drive future research to enhance predictive models and deepen our understanding of the impact of climate change on this parasitic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of fasciolosis in ruminants. Diagnosis through new coprological methods (such as Flukefinder®, FLOTAC®, and Mini-FLOTAC®) remains the most suitable approach for farms. Regarding treatment, there is a scarcity of available drugs, and resistance to them has prompted new approaches (including drug combinations, enhanced metabolism, or the use of natural compounds) to address this issue. Additionally, several researchers have developed vaccines to control the disease, but their efficacy varies, and none are currently sufficient for commercial use. Further studies are needed to better understand all aspects discussed in this manuscript, with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease control. It is important to note that this manuscript does not delve into in-depth knowledge of the discussed aspects; rather, it provides an overview of the different methodologies related to these three aspects of parasitic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological invasions pose risks to the normal functioning of ecosystems by altering the structure and composition of several communities. Molluscs stand out as an extensively studied group given their long history of introduction by either natural or anthropogenic dispersal events. An alien population of the lymnaeid species Orientogalba viridis was first sighted in 2009 in southern Spain. In its native range (Australasian), this species is one of the main intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica, a major worldwide trematode parasite largely affecting humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Methods: We collected field populations of O. viridis from its native (Malaysia) and invaded (Spain) ranges. We performed detailed morphoanatomical drawings of the species and screened for natural infection of parasites. Individuals were molecularly characterized using ITS2 for comparison with existing sequences in a fine phylogeography study. We founded experimental populations at two different conditions (tropical, 26 °C and temperate, 21 °C) to study the life-history traits of exposed and non-exposed individuals to different F. hepatica isolates. Results: We found a 9% natural prevalence of trematode infection (98% similarity with a sequence of Hypoderaeum conoideum [Echinostomatidae]) in the Spanish field population. The haplotypes of O. viridis found in our study from Spain clustered with Australian haplotypes. Experimental infection with F. hepatica was successful in both experimental conditions but higher in tropical (87% prevalence) than in temperate (73%). Overall lifespan, however, was higher in temperate conditions (mean 32.5 ± 7.4 weeks versus 23.3 ± 6.5) and survivorship remained above 70% during the first 20 weeks. In parasite-exposed populations, life expectancy dropped from an overall 37.75 weeks to 11.35 weeks but still doubled the time for initial cercariae shedding. Cercariae shedding started at day 23 post-exposure and peaked between days 53 and 67 with an average of 106 metacercariae per snail. Conclusions: Whether O. viridis will succeed in Europe is unknown, but the odds are for a scenario in which a major snail host of F. hepatica occupy all available habitats of potential transmission foci, ravelling the epidemiology of fasciolosis. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of O. viridis biology, interactions with parasites and potential implications for disease transmission dynamics, offering valuable insights for further research and surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fasciola hepatica affects cattle and buffaloes causing decreased production and liver condemnation at slaughter. Objective: To determine liver condemnation frequency, temporal distribution, and associated factors, as well as the spatial distribution and economic impact of F. hepatica infection based on postmortem inspection of cattle and buffaloes processed between 2010 and 2019 at one of the main slaughterhouses in Colombia. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out, with a convenience non-probability sampling. Temporal distribution of liver condemnation frequency was analyzed. Pearson χ² test was used to determine association between the dependent variable (i.e., presence/absence of adult parasites of F. hepatica) and frequency rates between months and years. Monthly rainfall data was compared with the accumulated monthly frequency. Association between the dependent variable and production type (i.e., industrial-type bovine cattle--intended for milk production, and commercial-type bovine cattle--intended for meat production), weight, and sex (odds ratios, OR and confidence intervals, 95% CI) was explored. Descriptive maps of the municipalities presenting at least one positive case of F. hepatica in 2019 and weighted prevalences, both for bovines and buffaloes, were designed. Only losses due to liver condemnation between 2010 and 2019 were considered in the economic impact analysis. Results: A total of 1,947,233 animals were processed during the study period, resulting in 3.1% overall frequency of fasciolosis. Industrial-type cattle presented 7.4% higher risk of developing F. hepatica compared to commercialtype cattle (OR=0.074; 95% CI:0.07-0.08). Likewise, male cattle presented 3.88 times more risk compared to females (OR=3.88; 95% CI:3.49-4.33). Economic losses due to liver condemnation were estimated at US$1,129,660 for the study period. Conclusion: This is the first report of Fasciola hepatica in buffaloes in Colombia. Liver condemnations in Colombia occur throughout the year, although its frequency increases during the rainy season. The economic losses, estimated by liver condemnation due to fasciolosis, are high; however, it is necessary to explore such losses considering other productive indicators and larger animal populations. This work demonstrates the importance of systematizing the information generated in slaughterhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymnaea rubiginosa as a snail host found in the Babura River, Medan City, is a type of snail that is known to be an intermediate host in the life cycle of several trematode worms. Lymnaea rubiginosa was collected using net sources at four research stations and there were 10 sub stations at each research station. Research in 2023 found Lymneae rubiginosa in juvenile form and only at station two was it found, and even then only in one collection and only one individual. Snails can be infected by Fasciola gigantica and by other trematodes such as Echinostoma sp. and Trichobilharzia sp. as well as oligochaete worms, namely Chaetogaster sp. Chaetogaster sp. infection in Lymnaea rubiginosa snails originating from rice fields and ponds shows that the spread of these worms is widespread. If it is suspected that the worm is capable of preying on the Fasciola gigantica miracidium, then Chaetogaster sp. more effective for use as a biological control. If the Lymnaea rubiginosa snail has been infected with E. hystricosum, then the snail cannot be infected again with other trematodes such as Trichobilharzia brevis. There seems to be a mechanism that inhibits the occurrence of mixed infections. Trematode and oligochaete worm infections in the snail's body can affect the development and growth of the snail. There is no mixed infection between two types of trematodes, namely Echinostoma sp. and Streigidae in a snail Lymnaea rubiginosa supports the phenomenon of antagonism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigated herein the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep at Sejnane slaughterhouse, governorate of Bizerte, Northwest of Tunisia, using three different diagnostic techniques (liver dissection, bile examination, and coprology). Faeces, liver, gall bladder as well as blood samples were collected from 603 slaughtered sheep in two seasons: winter and summer. Faecal egg counts of F. hepatica were estimated using sedimentation technique. Livers were examined for the presence of flukes, and bile collected from gall bladder was examined by sedimentation technique for the presence of F. hepatica eggs. Faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal helminths were estimated using flotation followed by the McMaster technique. Blood samples were used to estimate blood cell count (RBC) (×106/mL), haemoglobin (Hb) (g/dL), and haematocrit (Ht) (%) levels. A total of 1714 F. hepatica flukes were collected from 68 infected livers, the number of flukes per sheep ranged between naught and 195. Bile examination (16.78% ± 1.83; 51/310) showed the higher infection prevalence, followed by liver dissection (11.28% ± 1.17; 68/603) and coprology (9.12% ± 1.08; 55/603) (p = 0.015). Infection prevalences were significantly higher in young sheep aged of less than 1 year (8.13% ± 1.22; 49/498), in cross‐bred sheep (10.61% ± 1.39%; 64/478), and in summer (7.13% ± 1.82; 43/293) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in infection prevalence by gastrointestinal helminths in F. hepatica‐infected and F. hepatica‐non‐infected animals (p > 0.05). The overall prevalence of F. hepatica‐infected anaemic sheep was higher (22.73% ± 4.47; 20/88) than F. hepatica‐non‐infected anaemic sheep (p < 0.05). Fasciola hepatica infection is frequent in sheep from Sejnane representing hence an important constraint for the development of the sheep industry in this region. Therefore, it is necessary to establish and implement a specific control programme to reduce fasciolosis infection risks including animal owners’ education.

Background: Bovine fasciolosis causes significant economic losses to farmers and herders in Africa. The study aimed at determining how often bovine fasciolosis occurs in Jalingo abattoirs. Methods: This study was conducted in Jalingo abattoir using retrospective records from the year 2012 to 2021 and a prospective abattoir meat inspection survey to evaluate the prevalence and seasonal variation of bovine fasciolosis in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Results: An overall bovine fasciolosis prevalence of 8.29% was observed in 149,611 cattle slaughtered at the abattoir. There was statistical significance (p < 0.05) between seasons and bovine fasciolosis occurrence, with the rainy season having a slightly higher prevalence. Additionally, the prospective study analyzed 2424 cattle during the months of March and April 2022 at the Jalingo abattoir. Cows had a higher infection rate (6.15%) than bulls (2.43%), although the prospective study had a bovine fasciolosis prevalence of 8.58 percent. Bovine fasciolosis occurrence was shown to have a significant association with age, with a higher prevalence in older cattle (5.82%) compared to younger cattle (2.76%). However, there was no association that could be considered statistically significant between infection rates and the breed or sex of the slaughtered cattle. Conclusion: Both investigations, retrospective and prospective, shed light on the frequency and seasonal fluctuations of bovine fasciolosis in the research area. These insights can be utilised as a basis for further design considerations in future studies aimed at eradicating the disease or reducing its prevalence in the cattle herd and boosting livestock health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Of 414.5 million livers analyzed; 224,872 cattle were infected with F. hepatica. • Infected livers were registered in 194 Brazilian municipalities in 2002, and 747 in 2020. • There was a reduction in forest areas and an increase in cattle livers infected with F. hepatica. • Fasciola hepatica was introduced to the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Amazon Forest biomes. • Significant territorial dispersion of infected cattle with F. hepatica was observed. Fasciolosis is caused by parasites of the genus Fasciola, affecting animals and humans worldwide. In South America, the disease is a result of infection with Fasciola hepatica and although animal infections are more frequently reported, the full extent of the impact on human health due to underdiagnosis remains uncertain. This study analyzed changes in land use and the distribution of F. hepatica in bovine livers in Brazil over 18 years. Data on land use and land cover were collected from the Mapbiomas Project. Data on 414,481,963 slaughtered cattle and condemned livers due to F. hepatica infection were obtained from 4,433 municipalities. Joinpoint analysis was used to study the time series, and the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model was utilized to explore the behavior of F. hepatica infection. In the North, pasture areas significantly increased (P = 0.000001), while forested areas decreased (P = 0.000001). The midwestern and northern regions concentrated the highest number (>290 million) of cattle slaughtered in Brazil. More than 2 million bovine livers were infected by F. hepatica. The infected cattle originated from 194 municipalities in 2002, increasing to 747 in 2020. We consider that the changes in land use and intense cattle transportation may have caused the expansion of F. hepatica. The SIR model analyzed the spread of the disease looking at all six biomes: Caatinga, Amazon Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest, and Pampa. Moreover, this infection not only threatens the health of animals but is also a major concern to biodiversity and vulnerable human communities in South America. Emblematic biomes such as the Amazon basin already face challenges with logging, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, strategies for mitigating infection should include controlling illegal pasture areas, establishing health inspections of animal transport, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and livestock zoning, as well as clear One Health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity, particularly in developing countries. Fasciolosis, caused by infestation of Fasciola sp., is one such disease of concern. This case report focuses on the anatomic pathologic changes observed in the liver of Bali cattle infested with Fasciola gigantica. The cattle involved in this study were Bali cattle slaughtered at the Mambal Slaughterhouse in Badung, Bali, Indonesia between December 2021. During the specified period, 2 out of the 16 slaughtered cattles tested positive for Fasciola gigantica, representing an infection rate of 12.5%. The primary objective of composing this article is to disseminate information pertaining to the anatomical and pathological alterations observed in Bali cattle as a consequence of fasciolosis. Regarding the observation, the liver exhibited hepatomegaly, characterized by enlarged size and blunt edges, and adult flukes were found in the bile ducts. The surface of the liver parenchyma displayed proliferation of connective tissue, and there was evidence of enlarged portal lymph nodes. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the Bali cattle in this case report were afflicted with fasciolosis.

Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, and it causes great losses in bovine production. The anthelmintic resistance is a major problem in the control of fasciolosis. In this study, the F. hepatica egg development and hatching test (EDHT) was used for the evaluation of the ovicidal activity of commercial drugs, commonly used for treating infected cattle, which reflects F. hepatica anthelminthic resistance in infected bovines, according to recent literature. Bile samples from F. hepatica naturally parasitized cattle were obtained from slaughterhouses in the cities of Lages and Otacílio Costa, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The bile was washed, the eggs were recovered, quantified, and distributed in universal collectors, with a minimum of 1,000 eggs per vial. Four commercial drugs were used in this study, containing albendazole sulfoxide (ABDZ), closantel (CSTL), nitroxynil (NTXL), and triclabendazole with fenbendazole (TBZF). The drugs were diluted according to the manufacturer instructions. All drugs, and the respective control, were tested in triplicates, with the quantity of recovered eggs determining the number of drugs to be tested. The vials were incubated for 28 days at 27 °C, and the eggs were classified according to their degree of development under a stereomicroscope. In total, 121 egg samples were analyzed. Two samples were identified as resistant to TBZF. Undetermined resistance/susceptibility has been found in two isolates treated with ABDZ, one treated with NTXL and six treated with TBZF. CSTL did not present ovicidal activity and cannot be used in EDHT. This is the first time that commercial drugs were used in F. hepatica EDHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis is a zoonosis that limits the productivity of ruminants worldwide, but there is a lack of information on its occurrence in Burundi. Therefore, this study aimed to fill the information gap by determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine fasciolosis in the Imbo Region of Burundi. Two prevalence studies were conducted in parallel in the five communes of the five provinces in the Imbo region. In the first study, a total of 426 fecal samples were collected from randomly selected cattle farms and microscopically examined to determine Fasciola egg burden. Survey data on cattle husbandry were collected from owners of these cattle and analyzed to determine the risk factors for bovine fasciolosis. In the second study, 467 cattle were randomly selected in abattoirs and their livers were examined postmortem to determine liver fluke burdens. Data were entered separately into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using R software. The overall prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was 47.7% (42.9–52.4, 95% CI) for microscopic examination and 33.2% (28.9–37.5, 95% CI) for postmortem examinations. The majority of positive cattle (60.6%) had light intensity infections as determined by eggs per gram of feces (epg). Postmortem examinations corroborated these results and indicated that 80% of cattle had light intensity infections. Chi-square analysis showed a statistical association with the presence of bovine fasciolosis and the age, sex, and origin of cattle and the practices of cattle owners (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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ABSTRACTBovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease with a global reach. Coprological based on egg detection in fecal samples and liver inspection to evaluate the presence of the parasite is currently the gold standard for diagnosing chronic fasciolosis in cattle. However, these techniques are labor-intensive and ineffective during the acute phase of the disease. Serodiagnosis using native and recombinant antigens has become an interesting alternative in efforts to identify cattle fasciolosis. We evaluated cattle from abattoir (n = 139) and farms (n = 500) through liver inspection and coprological examination, respectively. Our laboratory team optimized and validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests based on somatic antigen, excretory/secretory proteins, and the recombinant antigen cathepsin L-1 to detect serum antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle. For animals from abattoir, 10 were positive for fasciolosis according to liver inspection. Both FhES and FhrCL-1 presented an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.80, with a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.46–0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.38–0.90) and specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73–0.87) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80–0.92), respectively. For those cattle from farms, 28 were positive only for fasciolosis according to coprological examination. In this scenario, FhES gave the best performance, with an AUROC of 0.84, sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60–0.90), and specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89). In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of serodiagnosis for accurately screening cattle fasciolosis. The promising sensitivity and specificity values of FhES when compared to liver inspection or coprological examination enhance its importance for cattle fasciolosis diagnosis.IMPORTANCEThe aim of this article was to identify antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle in Brazil. The methodology was reproduced in our laboratory and applied for the first time to the Brazilian cattle herd. The antigens tested can be used as a screening test and thus speed up the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis.

In this review article, we aim to provide an overview of fasciolosis in ruminants. Diagnosis through new coprological methods (such as Flukefinder®, FLOTAC®, and Mini-FLOTAC®) remains the most suitable approach for farms. Regarding treatment, there is a scarcity of available drugs, and resistance to them has prompted new approaches (including drug combinations, enhanced metabolism, or the use of natural compounds) to address this issue. Additionally, several researchers have developed vaccines to control the disease, but their efficacy varies, and none are currently sufficient for commercial use. Further studies are needed to better understand all aspects discussed in this manuscript, with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and disease control. It is important to note that this manuscript does not delve into in-depth knowledge of the discussed aspects; rather, it provides an overview of the different methodologies related to these three aspects of parasitic disease.

Background and Aim: Bovine fasciolosis is a reemerging neglected disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the trematode Fasciola spp., which parasitize various hosts. Bovine fasciolosis is responsible for large economic losses in the bovine livestock sector. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling conducted on 1140 cattle from the municipalities of Chiquinquir´, San Miguel de Sema, and Ubaté for a duration of 3 months. Serum samples were processed using the commercial Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit IDEXX® Fasciolosis Verification (IDEXX, United States), which identified immunoglobulin G antibodies for gf2 antigen purified from Fasciola extracts. The f2 antigen is extremely immunogenic and highly specific for F. hepatica. An epidemiological survey was performed to record variables related to the sampled animals and herd management practices. Data were processed using the statistical program Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). The prevalence ratio was estimated to evaluate the association between fasciolosis and the hypothesized causal factors and the significance of this association using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 72.3%. The seroprevalence was 83.9% (323/385) in Chiquinquirá, 68.17% (257/377) in Ubaté, and 64.55% (244/378) in San Miguel de Sema. The seroprevalence was higher in male animals in Chiquinquirá and in female animals in San Miguel de Sema and Ubaté. Similarly, sex showed a statistically significant association with disease prevalence in Ubaté. The highest prevalence was found in cattle aged >2 years. The Holstein breed showed maximum seroprevalence in Chiquinquirá (p ≤ 0.05) and San Miguel de Sema, whereas crossbreed showed higher seroprevalence in Ubaté. Similarly, in Chiquinquirá, the association between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the presence of other species was statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9601–3.4944; p = 0.0448). In Ubaté, the disease presentation was also associated with pasture rental (95% CI: 0.4047–1.0023; p = 0.003) and attendance to livestock expositions (95% CI: 0.2313–1.0636; p = 0.044). However, in San Miguel de Sema, water from the stream showed a statistically significant association with disease presentation (95% CI: 0.5209–1.0985; p = 0.00649785). Female sex and diarrhea occurrence were considered risk factors for fasciolosis. Conclusion: A high seroprevalence of antibodies to Fasciola spp. was detected in cattle in the study municipalities, indicating a high parasite distribution in these areas. Female sex and diarrhea were established as risk factors associated with fasciolosis in Ubaté and San Miguel de Sema, respectively. Further, research is necessary to establish prevention and control programs against parasitosis.

Abstract Fasciola hepatica is a parasite with a worldwide distribution that affects several mammals, including humans, and is considered a public health problem. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in humans, cattle and sheep, as well as to evaluate factors associated with the prevalence. A total of 185 serum samples from sheep, 290 from cattle, and 114 from humans were collected and processed using an in-house developed ELISA to detect IgG antibodies against F. hepatica. Additionally, 185 stool samples from sheep and 290 from cattle were examined using a Dennis sedimentation technique. Risk factors were analyzed using epidemiological surveys. The overall seroprevalence was 46.5% (86/185) in sheep, 32.5% (94/289) in cattle, and no humans tested positive for the infection. The coprological prevalence was 47.7% (86/180) in sheep and 33.7% (98/290) in cattle. Female gender and cattle living with alternate grazing management showed 2.5 and 6.5 times higher probability of infection, respectively. Bovines coexisting with sheep exhibited a higher risk of infection (odds ratio [OR]=4.3) compared to those without sheep. We concluded that F. hepatica in cattle and sheep has an endemic behavior, and therefore represents a problem of public health for rural communities.

Fasciolosis is an endemic zoonotic parasitic disease with significant impacts on human health and both animal health and production. Early post‐infection impacts on the host remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the changes, if any, to levels of endotoxin in cattle plasma in response to early‐stage infection with Fasciola hepatica. Thirty‐six (36) commercial bred cattle were experimentally infected with approximately 400 viable metacercariae. Plasma lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) levels were examined on 24 occasions from 0 h before infection to 336 h after infection using the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate chromogenic end point assay and compared with that of six (6) uninfected control animals. Peak lipopolysaccharide levels in infected animals were reached at 52 h after infection and returned to pre‐infection levels at time 144 h after infection. Infected animals had significantly elevated lipopolysaccharide levels between 24 and 120 h after infection when compared to uninfected animals. The mean change in endotoxin units (EU)/mL over time after infection was statistically significant in infected animals. Elevations of lipopolysaccharide occurred in all infected animals suggesting a possible repeatable and titratable endotoxemia conducive to therapeutic agent model development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La fascioliasis es una enfermedad endémica en la región Andina y de importante afección a la salud humana y animal. Por ello, el presente estudio se llevó a cabo en el distrito de Cajamarca, Perú, con el objetivo de determinar la prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica en caballos criollos mayores a un año de edad. Entre octubre y noviembre, se recolectaron heces directamente del recto de 237 animales que no fueron dosificados con algún antiparasitario en los últimos tres meses, el procesamiento se realizó con la técnica de sedimentación rápida y la lectura inicial fue con estereomicroscopio en aumento de 3X. La comprobación se realizó en microscopio a 10X y 40X y se obtuvo una prevalencia total de 3,80 ± 2,4 % (9/237), según la presencia de huevos en el análisis coproparasitológico. Los resultados no son alarmantes, más consisten en el primer reporte de la infección por F. hepatica en equinos de la zona norandina de Perú y se recomienda un mayor estudio de la forma clínica en esta especie; también es de vital importancia la implementación de medidas para vigilar y monitorear el rol que desempeñan los caballos criollos en la reserva o diseminación de esta parasitosis zoonótica.

Abstract Many studies about fasciolosis control have been carried out, whether acting on the adult parasite or in Pseudosuccinea columella, compromising the development of the larval stages. The present study aimed to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the susceptibility of P. columella to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, during for 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The snails were evaluated for 21 days for accumulated mortality; number of eggs laid; hatchability rate; biochemical changes; and histopathological analysis. We found that exposure induced a reduction in glucose and glycogen levels, characterizing a negative energy balance, due to the depletion of energy reserves as a result of the direct competition established by the nematode/endosymbiont bacteria complex in such substrates. A mortality rate of 48.25% and 65.52% was observed in the group exposed for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, along with significant impairment of reproductive biology in both exposed groups in relation to the respective controls. The results presented here show that P. columella is susceptible to the nematode H. bacteriophora, with the potential to be used as an alternative bioagent in the control of this mollusk, especially in areas considered endemic for fascioliasis, in line with the position expressed by the World Health Organization Health.

In this research, were evaluated the primary causes of bovine liver condemnation during post-mortem inspection. The data used in this study were collected from an abattoir located in the state of Espírito Santo, witch operates under the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). To conduct this survey, were analyzed official records from the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) regarding the monthly slaughter of cattle and their respective hepatic condemnations throughout the year 2022 were used. During this period, 45,482 cattle were slaughtered, comprising 43,578 males (95.81%) and 1,904 females (4.19%). Among them, 4,365 livers were condemned, accounting for a frequency of 9.6% of the total number of slaughtered animals. Three conditions were the most recurrent: hepatic abscesses, totaling 1,357 condemnations (31.1%), followed by perihepatitis and fasciolosis, responsible for 546 (12.5%) and 518 (11.9%) condemnations, respectively. These tree most frequent lesions mentioned accounted for 55.5% of bovine liver condemnations. Other causes of condemnation were also detected, such as gastrointestinal and biliary contamination, with a total of 924 cases (21.2%), as well as 514 cases of telangiectasia (11.8%), 505 cases of cirrhosis (11.6%), and 1 case of lymphatic alteration (0.001%). The economic loss due to liver condemnations was substantial for the industry, totaling an average of R$ 41,467.50 during the year 2022. Therefore, it is essential to reduce hepatic conditions, identifying its main causes and possible solutions to minimize economic losses for the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Bovine fasciolosis is a reemerging neglected disease with a worldwide distribution caused by the trematode Fasciola spp., which parasitize various hosts. Bovine fasciolosis is responsible for large economic losses in the bovine livestock sector. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in the municipalities of Colombia. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling conducted on 1140 cattle from the municipalities of Chiquinquirá, San Miguel de Sema, and Ubaté for a duration of 3 months. Serum samples were processed using the commercial Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit IDEXX® Fasciolosis Verification (IDEXX, United States), which identified immunoglobulin G antibodies for gf2 antigen purified from Fasciola extracts. The f2 antigen is extremely immunogenic and highly specific for F. hepatica. An epidemiological survey was performed to record variables related to the sampled animals and herd management practices. Data were processed using the statistical program Epi Info® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). The prevalence ratio was estimated to evaluate the association between fasciolosis and the hypothesized causal factors and the significance of this association using Pearson's Chi-square test. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 72.3%. The seroprevalence was 83.9% (323/385) in Chiquinquirá, 68.17% (257/377) in Ubaté, and 64.55% (244/378) in San Miguel de Sema. The seroprevalence was higher in male animals in Chiquinquirá and in female animals in San Miguel de Sema and Ubaté. Similarly, sex showed a statistically significant association with disease prevalence in Ubaté. The highest prevalence was found in cattle aged >2 years. The Holstein breed showed maximum seroprevalence in Chiquinquirá (p = 0.05) and San Miguel de Sema, whereas crossbreed showed higher seroprevalence in Ubaté. Similarly, in Chiquinquirá, the association between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the presence of other species was statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9601-3.4944; p = 0.0448). In Ubaté, the disease presentation was also associated with pasture rental (95% CI: 0.4047-1.0023; p = 0.003) and attendance to livestock expositions (95% CI: 0.2313-1.0636; p = 0.044). However, in San Miguel de Sema, water from the stream showed a statistically significant association with disease presentation (95% CI: 0.5209-1.0985; p = 0.00649785). Female sex and diarrhea occurrence were considered risk factors for fasciolosis. Conclusion: A high seroprevalence of antibodies to Fasciola spp. was detected in cattle in the study municipalities, indicating a high parasite distribution in these areas. Female sex and diarrhea were established as risk factors associated with fasciolosis in Ubaté and San Miguel de Sema, respectively. Further, research is necessary to establish prevention and control programs against parasitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Continuous attempts have been made to pinpoint candidate vaccine molecules and evaluate their effectiveness in order to commercialise such vaccines for the treatment of tropical fascioliasis in livestock. The pathophysiology of fascioliasis can be related to liver damage brought on by immature flukes that migrate and feed, as well as immunological reactions to chemicals produced by the parasites and alarm signals brought on by tissue damage. Future research should, in our opinion, concentrate on the biology of invasive parasites and the resulting immune responses, particularly in the early stages of infection. The goal of the current study was to use the calcium-binding proteins from F. gigantica to create a multi-epitope subunit vaccine. The adjuvant, B-cell epitopes, CTL epitopes, and HTL epitopes that make up the vaccine construct are all connected by certain linkers. The antigenicity, allergenicity, and physiochemical properties of the vaccine construct were examined. The vaccine construct was docked with toll-like receptor 2, and simulations of the molecular dynamics of the complex's stability, interaction, and dynamics were run. After performing in silico cloning and immunosimulation, it was discovered that the construct was suitable for further investigation. New vaccination technologies and adjuvant development are advancing our food safety procedures since vaccines are seen as safe and are accepted by the user community. This research is also applicable to the F. hepatica system.

Abstract Fasciolosis and hydatidosis are the world’s most common zoonotic major parasitic ailments of domesticated animals with financial and public health implications. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 randomly selected cattle slaughtered at Wolaita Sodo municipal abattoir to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors for co-infection of hydatidosis and fasciolosis using the ante- and postmortem examination techniques. Of the 384 examined cattle, 4.17% were found to harbor co-infections of hydatidosis and fasciolosis. Similarly, the prevalence of concurrent fasciolosis and hydatidosis infections was 76.56% and 23.44% in local and crossbred animals, respectively. The current study took into account risk factors such as age, breed, origin, and body condition score; however, there is a statistically insignificant association between the risk factors and the prevalence of concurrent fasciolosis and hydatidosis infection. In this study, overall fasciolosis was recorded at a rate of 9.38%, with the highest prevalence of F. hepatica at 8.59%, followed by unidentified flukes at 4.17% and F. gigantica at 0.78%. Likewise, the single prevalence of hydatidosis was recorded at 10.94%. Of the 142 examined cysts, the liver alone harbors 54 cysts, and the lung alone harbors 88 cysts, with a total of 43 calcified, 21 sterile, 56 viable, 9 nonviable, and 13 mixed cysts. The predicted yearly financial loss from organ condemnation was 15,436,142.00 ETB Birr. This study demonstrated that hydatidosis and fasciolosis are two relatively widespread parasite diseases of cattle in Ethiopia, causing significant economic loss attributable to organ rejection and indirect weight loss. Thus, awareness of the impact of the disease on the community could disrupt the parasite’s life cycle, and its economic significance was forwarded to other points.

Simple Summary: Fasciolia hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are widespread and found in the liver and bile ducts of ruminant animals and humans, which poses a major problem in animal husbandry. There are many studies on the prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis in China, but the overall prevalence of fasciolosis and the risk factors are still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ovine and caprine fasciolosis in China. The pooled prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis was 26.00%. Out of all the subgroups, the type of season and sampling years showed the most significant (p < 0.05) differences. The results indicated that ovine and caprine fasciolosis was widely distributed, especially in Northwestern China. The risk factors related to the disease are described in this study. Therefore, strategies for ovine and caprine fasciolosis control can be developed based on the epidemic risk factors that are identified in this study, which will thus reduce the prevalence of fasciolosis in China. Fasciolosis is a significant zoonotic and common parasitic disease for animals and humans, creating public health concerns worldwide. This study retrieved articles related to the occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica in sheep and goats in China by searching five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and the VIP Chinese Journal Database. A total of 60 valid articles were captured. The pooled prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis was 26.00%. It was also found to be higher in the subgroups of Northwest China and Shaanxi Province, as well as in areas with a high altitude, rainfall of ≥800 mm, and temperature ranging between 10 °C and 20 °C. Analysis of the type of season and sampling years showed significant (p < 0.05) difference. In other subgroups, sheep (34.74%), hosts aged over 2 years (32.26%), females (48.33%) and free-range animals (26.83%) showed a higher disease prevalence. These results indicated that ovine and caprine fasciolosis was widely distributed, especially in Northwest China. The sampling years and the type of season are risk factors for the prevalence of ovine and caprine fasciolosis. Therefore, strategies for ovine and caprine fasciolosis control should be developed based on these epidemic risk factors, which will reduce the prevalence of fasciolosis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciola hepatica is the main causative agent of fasciolosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease of growing public health concern. F. hepatica metacercariae are ingested by the host and excyst in the intestine, thereby releasing the newly excysted juveniles (FhNEJ), which traverse the gut wall and migrate towards the biliary ducts. Since blocking F. hepatica development is challenging after crossing of the intestinal wall, targeting this first step of migration might result in increased therapeutic success. The intestinal extracellular matrix (ECM) is constituted by a network of structural proteins, including laminin (LM) and fibronectin (FN), that provide mechanical support while acting as physical barrier against intestinal pathogens. Here, we employed ELISA and immunofluorescent assays to test for the presence of LM- and FN-binding proteins on a tegument-enriched antigenic fraction of FhNEJ, and further determined their identity by two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry. Additionally, we performed enzymatic assays that revealed for the first time the capability of the juvenile-specific cathepsin L3 to degrade LM, and that LM degradation by FhNEJ proteins is further potentiated in the presence of host plasminogen. Finally, a proteomic analysis showed that the interaction with LM triggers protein changes in FhNEJ that may be relevant for parasite growth and adaptation inside the mammalian host. Altogether, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular interplay between FhNEJ and the intestinal ECM, which may lead to the identification of targetable candidates for the development of more effective control strategies against fasciolosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis is caused by F. hepatica and F. gigantica. It is of economic and zoonotic importance. Several strategies for control of fasciolosis are being used; these include vaccination of animals that are at risk and control of the snails that carry the parasite. Several types of vaccines, such as recombinant cathepsin, mixed recombinant vaccine, fatty-acid-binding proteins, a cocktail of recombinant and fatty-acid-binding vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines and gene-silencing methods have been reported to show efficacy ranges of 32-75%, 52-79%, 8-36%, 43-68%, 74-100% and 90% respectively. These are currently undergoing experimental testing against fasciolosis. The study described in this paper was carried out to discover the comparative efficacy of these vaccines in the enhancement of the immune response in order to find the most effective method so that future research could focus on the development of that type of vaccine. Besides immunization, control of the intermediate host of the parasite (snail) is also an effective way to control fasciolosis. Snails are controlled through the use of physical, chemical and biological methods. The most effective of these is biological control using Sphaerodema urinator as a predator of snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fasciolosis represents a significant economic impact on livestock production in different countries. The gold standard method for diagnosing fasciolosis is currently a coprological examination, based on egg detection in stool. However, this approach is undoubtedly ineffective, especially during the acute phase of the disease. In order to detect all stages of infection, an alternative serological method is used to confirm the infected animals with fasciolosis. Thus, we aimed to identify the pre-patent and patent periods of equine fasciolosis using both copro-microscopical and the ELISA technique in different areas in Garmian region and Sulaimani provinces. Material and Methods: A coprological and the sensitive ELISA techniques were used to detect the presence of Fasciola hepatica in the infected horses through detection of the serum antibodies against secretary and the excretory antigens from F. hepatica. Results: The copro-prevalence and seroprevalence of equine fasciolosis were found to be 16% and 58%, respectively, in a total of 50 fecal and 50 blood samples from equine of various ages. Conclusion: It was concluded that a serological test had an accurate result for the detection of Fasciola infection in horses than the coprological methods; particularly in horses had advanced into the patent period of the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a neglected tropical snail-borne trematode disease of cattle that poses an adverse effect on animals' health culminating in economic damage. Cross-sectional investigation on coprological and postmortem assessment and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Tarcha Municipal Abattoir, Southern Ethiopia through simple random sampling techniques was conducted from December 2020 to August 2021. Out of 384 cattle examined, 20.3% and 29.94% were found harboring Fasciola through coprological examination and postmortem examination respectively. The leading cause of fasciolosis in the study area was Fasciola gigantica (53.9%) as compared to F. hepatica (46.1%). The investigation revealed that the sex, origin, and body condition of the cattle has a statistically significant effect on the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis. The odds of male animals infested with fasciolosis were 2.25 times higher than female cattle and those of poor body-conditioned cattle were three times higher than cattle with good body condition. In postmortem examination, an average of 6 flukes were found in a single infested liver and the mean fluke count was (10 ± 1.97) in severely infested livers while in lightly infested livers (3± 1.79). Considering postmortem examination as the gold standard for diagnosis of fasciolosis, the sensitivity of the direct sedimentation technique was found to be 68% and the specificity 100% with substantial agreement (k = 0.74) between the two methods. The estimated yearly direct financial losses incurred owing to fasciolosis was around 2,227,536 2, Birr (47,945.24 USD). Thus, bovine fasciolosis is one of the economically important animal diseases in the study area, which necessitates integrated control measures to tackle its effect on animal health and subsequent economic impact.

Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are two trematodes (liver flukes) that cause water- and food-borne disease Fasciolosis. Many animals are involved in the life cycle of the Fasciola spp., such as sheep, cattle, and camels, and humans are the definitive host. This work investigated the prevalence of Fasciola among imported and local slaughtered sheep and the relation between infection rate and seasons of the year. A total of 720,290 local and imported sheep (251,701 and 468,489, respectively) were slaughtered in a Jeddah slaughterhouse (Western region of Saudi Arabia) over the periods of 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020. In the three years of inspection, the infection rate at slaughter was higher among imported than local sheep. In 2017-2018, both local and imported sheep had the highest level of infection in the spring and the lowest in the winter. However, in 2018-2019, the highest rate of infection for both was documented in the summer and the lowest in the winter. Lastly, in 2019-2020, the highest rate of infection for local sheep was observed in the summer of 2020 and the lowest rate of infection was observed in the spring of 2020. Among imported sheep, the highest rate of infection was in the summer and the lowest was in winter for both 2019 and 2020. To control this disease, there is the need to apply for successful integrated programs and practice adaptive management techniques.

Background and Aim: Fasciolosis is a significant problem in veterinary and public health, causing huge economic losses. Epidemiological studies of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Indonesia are few and existing reports primarily focus on prevalence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and infection intensity of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 dairy cattle from 72 household farms in eight subdistricts. Fecal samples (n=400) were examined using the Flukefinder® kit and the simple sedimentation technique was the gold standard for fasciolosis. In-person interviews using questionnaires collected data on farmers, farms, and animal characteristics. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associated risk factors for fasciolosis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of fasciolosis in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia, was 16.50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.85-20.15) at the animal level (n = 400), whereas 40.28% at household farms (n = 72) level (95% CI 18.67-51.88). The relative sensitivity and specificity of the Flukefinder® kit compared with those of the gold standard were 79.49% and 92.52%, respectively, with a moderate agreement (kappa=0.59; p < 0.001). Fasciolosis was more likely in cattle originating from the Mojosongo subdistrict than from other subdistricts (odds ratio (OR)=5.28, 95% CI 1.22-22.94); from farms that did not process manure versus from those that did (OR = 3.03, 95% CI 1.43-4.71); and with farmers that had never attended extension programs compared with those who had (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.99-11.19). Studied cattle were mostly affected by light Fasciola spp. infections (92.4%, 95% CI 77.8-100%) followed by moderate (6.1%, 95% CI 0-22.2%) and heavy (1.5%, 95% CI 0-5.6%) infections. Conclusion: Fasciolosis is prevalent in dairy cattle in Boyolali, Indonesia. Control efforts should target the high-risk Mojosongo subdistrict, emphasize the importance of processing manure, and encourage farmers to attend extension programs. Flukefinder® is a practical on-site diagnostic kit for fasciolosis in Indonesian dairy farms. Parasite species identification and a malacological survey of intermediate hosts of Fasciola spp. in the farming environment are required for further research.

Thepresent study was conducted from January to May 2018 to identify the infection rate of fasciolosis and cystic echinococcosis in cattleslaughtered in the slaughterhouse of Nassiriyah Municipality, Thi-Qar province. During this study, 524 (247 males and 277 females) cattle were submittedfor postmortem inspection. Chi-square is used to analyze the data. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the examined cattle was (7.25%) while the rate of infection with cystic Echinococcosis was (8.40%) with no significant difference.Infection with fasciolosis and cystic echinococcosis was higher infemales than males.The current study showed significant relevance between the sex of cattle andthe prevalence of both fasciolosis and cystic Echinococcosis (P?0.05). The prevalence of fasciolosis and cystic Echinococcosis were significantly affected among the age groups in cattle (P?0.05).

In the present study Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), were used to treat buffaloes naturally infected with fasciolosis and their efficacy (%) was compared. In vivo, pre-and post-treatment (50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg/ kg body weight of the two medicinal plants) fecal egg counts were determined following standard fecal egg count reduction in buffaloes (Babulus sp.) of Nili Ravi breed naturally parasitized with Fasciola sp. The infected buffaloes were randomly divided into 3 main groups’ i.e. A, B, and C. Animals in groups A and B were further subdivided into three subgroups i.e. A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3. Sub-groups A1 and B1 were given dose levels of 50mg/kg body weight, A2, and B2, 100mg while A3 and B3, 150mg/kg body weight of Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), respectively. Group C with infected animals served as a control. 2 medicinal plants has been found significantly (P

Continuous attempts have been made to pinpoint candidate vaccine molecules and evaluate their effectiveness in order to commercialise such vaccines for the treatment of tropical fascioliasis in livestock. The pathophysiology of fascioliasis can be related to liver damage brought on by immature flukes that migrate and feed, as well as immunological reactions to chemicals produced by the parasites and alarm signals brought on by tissue damage. Future research should, in our opinion, concentrate on the biology of invasive parasites and the resulting immune responses, particularly in the early stages of infection. The goal of the current study was to use the calcium-binding proteins from F. gigantica to create a multi-epitope subunit vaccine. The adjuvant, B-cell epitopes, CTL epitopes, and HTL epitopes that make up the vaccine construct are all connected by certain linkers. The antigenicity, allergenicity, and physiochemical properties of the vaccine construct were examined. The vaccine construct was docked with toll-like receptor 2, and simulations of the molecular dynamics of the complex's stability, interaction, and dynamics were run. After performing in silico cloning and immunosimulation, it was discovered that the construct was suitable for further investigation. New vaccination technologies and adjuvant development are advancing our food safety procedures since vaccines are seen as safe and are accepted by the user community. This research is also applicable to the F. hepatica system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis is a worldwide disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, which affects cattle, sheep, goats, and sometimes humans, causing significant economic and production losses. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of F. hepatica in sheep from Boavita, Boyacá, Colombia. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with simple random sampling, where the sample size was 297 sheep. The sera were processed with the commercial ELISA BIO K 211-Monoscreen AbELISA F. hepatica kit, following the manufacturer's instructions. The analysis of the results was carried out with the statistical program Epi Info®. A general seroprevalence of 67.34% was determined, where males, sheep older than 3 years, and Creole sheep presented the highest seroprevalence, with 77.78, 83.33, and 64.79%, respectively. A significant statistical association was established between seropositivity to F. hepatica and sheep aged 1 to 3 and individuals older than 3 years. This age group was established as a risk factor for the manifestation of fasciolosis, whereas sheep between 1 to 3 years old were considered as a protective factor. Management variables such as extensive and stake grazing also showed statistical significance, the latter being a protective factor for parasitosis. Our findings show the spread of F. hepatica infections in sheep and confirm the importance of serological methods for the diagnosis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), were used to treat buffaloes naturally infected with fasciolosis and their efficacy (%) was compared. In vivo, pre-and post-treatment (50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg/kg body weight of the two medicinal plants) fecal egg counts were determined following standard fecal egg count reduction in buffaloes (Babulus sp.) of Nili Ravi breed naturally parasitized with Fasciola sp. The infected buffaloes were randomly divided into 3 main groups' i.e. A, B, and C. Animals in groups A and B were further subdivided into three subgroups i.e. A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3. Sub-groups A1 and B1 were given dose levels of 50mg/kg body weight, A2, and B2, 100mg while A3 and B3, 150mg/kg body weight of Nigella sativa (seeds) and Fumaria parviflora (aerial), respectively. Group C with infected animals served as a control. 2 medicinal plants has been found significantly (P<0.05) efficient (42-100%) and safe to use against fasciolosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis, assess the risk factors, and estimate the direct financial loss due to liver condemnation in cattle slaughtered at Yirgalem municipal abattoir. Furthermore, the comparison of the diagnostic efficiency of fecal and postmortem examination was evaluated. The study was based on both postmortem inspection of the liver for liver fluke infection and coprological examination using the sedimentation technique. Thus, a total of 400 cattle were sampled using systemic random sampling techniques and the prevalence was 27.0% (108/400) and 20.8% (83/400), by postmortem and coprological examination, respectively. The prevalence of F. hepatica, F. gigantica, mixed infections, and unidentified species were 56.5%, 19.4%, 16.7%, and 7.4%, respectively. The difference between age groups was statically signifi- cant (p<0.05). Coprological examination revealed the highest prevalence was recorded in the age group of > 7 years old (34%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 4.2) followed by 4-6 years old adults (26.8%, AOR=4.2) and in young cattle of <3 years old (6.7%). Prevalence by postmortem examination was 43.0% (AOR= 4 0), 27.8% (AOR= 2.4), and 8.3%, for age groups > 7 years old, 4-6 years old adults and in young cattle of <3 years old, respectively. The body condition score result revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) as a greater magnitude of infections were detected in poor body condition animals (AOR=7.7) than in medium and good body condition (p<0.05). Considering the liver examination as a gold standard for diagnosis of fasciolosis, the sensitivity of the sedimentation technique was 76.8%, and the specificity of 100% with a very good agreement (kappa = 0.94) between the two methods. The total financial loss per annum due to the condemnation of infected liver was 945, 999 ETB (18,192.288 USD). Therefore, strategic control and prevention of the snail intermediate host should be implemented. Furthermore, upon diagnosis of fasciolosis, epide miological information about the disease with suggestive clinical examination should be considered even in the absence of Fasciola eggs during coprological examinations and also other parasitological techniques such as the FLOTAC and FLUKE FINDER methods with high sensitivity and specificity should be employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on fasciolosis prevalence, gross pathological lesions, fluke genetic identification and coprological analysis was carried out in slaughtered cattle from one abattoir in Cape Verde. Of the 131 cattle inspected over two months, 12 (9.0%) presented fasciolosis-compatible lesions (FCL) that resulted in liver condemnation. The genetic characterization of the flukes collected, through restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of PCR-amplified fragments (PCR-RFLP), confirmed the presence of Fasciola gigantica; therefore, being the first identification of this species in cattle from Cape Verde. Animals that released Fasciola spp. eggs and, thus, responsible for environment contamination (positive shedders), were identified through coprological analysis (natural sedimentation technique). Of the 12 animals with FCL, samples from 11 were submitted to coprological analysis and 7 (63.6%) were found to be positive shedders. Furthermore, of the 82 animals with non-FCL, randomly selected for coprological analysis, 4 (4.9%) were also found to be positive shedders for Fasciola spp. The results of this study, regarding species identification and coprological analysis, are epidemiologically important to update the information regarding fasciolosis in Cape Verde. The new data could help implement effective strategies for disease control and mitigation, consequently reducing economic loss and the level of animal and human infection from the One Health perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver flukes, Fasciola spp., are veterinary and medically important parasites infecting numerous species of economically important animals in addition to humans on a global scale. The components of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling are widely distributed throughout the animal kingdom and are considerably conserved. Through shared common signal transduction mechanisms, crosstalk of TGF-β signalling between a host and the parasite during infection is possible. Herein, we have identified and undertaken the molecular characterisation of a putative TGF-β homologue from the tropical liver fluke F. gigantica (FgTLM). A FgTLM cDNA was 3557 bp in length, it encoded for 620 amino acid polypeptide which consisted of 494 amino acids of prodomain and 126 amino acids comprising the mature protein. FgTLM displayed characteristic structures of mammalian TGF-β ligands that were unique to the inhibin-β chain, monomer of activin. A phylogenetic analysis revealed the high degree of conservation with TGF-β molecules from trematode species. Interestingly, the sequence of amino acid in the active domain of FgTLM was completely identical to FhTLM from F. hepatica. FgTLM expressed throughout the lifecycle of F. gigantica but was highly expressed in developmental active stages. The dynamics of expression of FgTLM during the developmental stages of F. gigantica was comparable to the pattern of TGF-β expression in F. hepatica. Our findings demonstrated that FgTLM exhibits a high level of similarity to FhTLM in the context of both amino acid sequence and the life stage expression patterns. These similarities underline the possibility that the FgTLM molecule might have the same properties and functions as FhTLM in biological processes of the immature parasites and host immune evasion. Consequently, the specific biological functions of FgTLM on either parasite or relevant hosts need to be defined experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fasciolosis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica , is a major parasitic disease that affects livestock and therefore causes significant economic losses in tropical countries. Although anthelminthic drugs can kill the parasite, drug-resistant liver fluke populations are increasing. In this study, a recombinant F. gigantica chimeric protein (rFgCHI) consisting of cathepsin L1H (FgCL1H), cathepsin B3 (FgCB3), and Saposin-like protein 1 (FgSAP1) was designed and expressed in Escherichia coli (BL21). The molecular weight of rFgCHI was 61 kDa. To study the antibody response, male BALB/c mice were immunized via the subcutaneous injection of rFgCHI combined with Quil A. Immunization with rFgCHI showed the induction of IgG1 and IgG2a with a higher IgG1 isotype level, indicating the potential of mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses, with Th2 predominating. However, the results showed high levels of IgG against the single proteins, except for rFgSAP1. Through Western blotting, mouse anti-rFgCHI polyclonal antibodies could be detected to the native proteins obtained from the parasite at all stages. Immunolocalization also revealed that the anti-rFgCHI antibodies could detect targeted antigens in the cecal epithelium of the parasite. These results demonstrated that rFgCHI is immunogenic to the mouse immune system and may potentially be a protein candidate for the development of a fasciolosis vaccine. • The first chimeric protein (rFgCHI) with three different proteins was constructed. • Anti-rFgCHI antibody recognized the liver fluke at all stages. • Anti-rFgCHI antibody could detect the native tissue on cecal epithelium. • Cross-reactivity of anti-rFgCHI were not found in the other related parasites. • This study highlighted the key design criteria for chimeric protein production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]