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Abstract: Hedruris has a worldwide distribution, parasitizing lampreys, fishes, frogs, and lizards. In South America, 4 species have been reported on frogs (Hedruris heyeri, Hedruris juninensis, Hedruris moniezi, and Hedruris mucronifer), 3 on fishes (Hedruris basilichtensis, Hedruris orestiae, and Hedruris suttonae), and 1 on turtles (Hedruris dratini). We examined a frog (Pseudis minuta) found dead in the Pescado stream, Argentina, searching for parasites. A Hedruris sp. was found and subsequently subjected to integrative analyses. The 18S rDNA was sequenced, and specimens were examined using electron and optical microscopy. Genetic analysis grouped this nematode with H. dratini. Its morphology was similar to that species but differed in having bifid derid in frogs, compared to a simple deirid in turtles. This difference could result from various causes, such as host-parasite interaction or a teratological feature, or it could indicate high morphological variability. To resolve this, molecular analysis of all described Hedruris species is necessary, in addition to morphological studies. According to the prevalence and intensity of infection reported in the literature, the definitive host of H. dratini is likely the turtle. However, the nematode may use different hosts, or the frog may have ingested an amphipod harboring the parasite's intermediate stage. This is the first Hedruris parasite of frogs to be sequenced and represents, after H. mucronifer, the second report of the genus in anurans from Argentina., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2024.)

Background: In camels, thelaziosis is mainly caused by Thelazia leesei Railliet & Henry, 1910, a little-known eyeworm species. Given the paucity of scientific data, this study aimed to provide new insights into the morphology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic relationship of T. leesei and its occurrence in camels from Iran, where animals suffer from the high burden of eyeworms., Methods: From December 2020 to November 2022, slaughtered camels (n = 400) of different sex and age groups were examined in Sistan-va-Baluchestan province in Southeast Iran's local abattoirs. Adult eyeworms were fixed and stored for morphological identification by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products corresponding to the partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) of eyeworms were Sanger sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically., Results: A total of 118 (29.5%) camels from all five counties examined were infected with eyeworms, with an abundance of 0.9 and a mean intensity of 3.2 (i.e., up to 18 worms from a single animal). The infection rate was higher in camels older than 4 years of age (P = 0.01901). Lachrymation was associated with infection in animals (P < 0.00001). The morphology of our specimens resembled that of T. leesei, with the exception of the position of the nerve ring and esophagus length. Genetic analysis showed that the cox1 partial sequences of our T. leesei specimens had genetic distances of 8.8% to 13.5% compared with other Thelazia species., Conclusions: On the basis of the morphometrics and morphological characteristics, we identified our specimens as T. leesei. In the phylogenetic tree, T. leesei herein isolated formed a monophyletic group together with its congeners, and T. leesei formed a sister clade to T. lacrymalis. In addition, we demonstrated the epidemiology of the infestation of T. leesei in camels in the endemic areas of southeastern Iran. The data presented are crucial for better understanding the pathogenic role of T. leesei and developing effective treatment strategies. In particular, studies on the intermediate host(s) of T. leesei in these regions will support effective control strategies for this parasitosis., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: No animal was killed within the scope of the study; all samples originated from camels that were slaughtered. All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. The study procedure has been approved by the ethical committee of the Animal Welfare Committee at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (ID: 24224). Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a common ocular disease of ruminants worldwide. Recently, an outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis was observed in the European bison in Poland. Hundreds of animals show conjunctival congestion, corneal opacity, and ulceration, leading to total blindness. The present study aimed to examine the ocular changes of European bison and patterns of the disease occurrence with special emphasis on the role of Thelazia nematodes in the development of IKC., Results: The eyes of 131 European bison, showing ocular signs and clinically healthy, were collected in Poland in 2021 - 2022 and subjected to parasitological and histopathological examination. Histopathology showed varying lesions, including corneal erosions or ulcers, diffuse purulent infiltrates to lymphocytic infiltration in the cornea, and lymphocytic or mixed conjunctivitis with CALT stimulation. The severity of ocular changes was higher in European bison from mountain areas and during the winter season. Two species of Thelazia nematodes - T. skrjabini and T. gulosa have been isolated from eyes. Prevalence of infection reached over 66.4%, and the infection intensity ranged from 1 to 16 nematodes per individual. Although nematodes of the genus Thelazia were prevalent in European bison, their occurrence did not correspond with the severity of ocular changes., Conclusions: The results of our studies allowed to identify patterns related to the first outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in European bison. Living in mountain areas and winter season were the most predisposing factors for the development of ocular changes. Despite the high prevalence of Thelazia nematodes in the present study, their role in forming ocular lesions was not confirmed., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The authors confirm that the ethical policies of the journal, as noted on the journal’s author guidelines page, have been adhered with accordance to Directive 2010/63/EU of The European Parliament and of The Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. All European bison were legally culled on the basis of permission from the General Directorate for Environmental Protection in Poland. The decision of General Directorate for Environmental Protection was implemented by the Regional Head Offices of National Forests, which supervised animals sacrifice. European bison as wild animals, were culled by professional hunters with respect to the animals welfare and safety rules, in the presence of qualified veterinarians. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida: Thelaziidae) parasitizes the eyes of dogs, cats, humans, and various wild mammals, and is transmitted by drosophilid flies. In Japan, T. callipaeda is considered an emerging parasite that has expanded its endemic region northward. However, reports of its detection in mammals other than domestic animals and humans are scarce. This study reports the detection of T. callipaeda in Japanese red fox (Vulpes vulpes japonica), masked palm civet (Paguma larvata), Japanese badger (Meles anakuma), Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus), domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris), domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus), and human. Of these, the Japanese red fox, masked palm civet, Japanese badger, and Japanese black bear have been reported as novel host records. Sequence analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of T. callipaeda revealed two unique lineages specific to Japan, with no regional or host species differences. These results suggest a wide host range for T. callipaeda, highlighting the significant role of wildlife as a reservoir for this parasite in Japan., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Habronemosis, also known as habronemiasis or habronematidosis, is a parasitic disease of equids caused by the larval stages of Habronematidae nematodes (Habronema muscae, Habronema microstoma, and Draschia megastoma) that are transmitted by muscid flies. The presence of aberrant infective larvae in the cutaneous and conjunctival tissues of these hosts results in granulomatous, exudative, and ulcerated lesions, also known as "summer sores." In this study, we present a retrospective analysis of habronemosis cases in horses from the municipality of Lages, located on the Santa Catarina Plateau, a region with high altitudes and a temperate climate that differs from regions of Brazil where such parasitosis usually occurs. The equids were examined from 2008 to 2020 at the Veterinary Hospital of Santa Catarina State University. Sixteen patients were diagnosed and treated using macrocyclic lactones and wound cleaning. Most cases were recorded in autumn in horses (10/16, 62.5%) over 15 years of age (11/16, 68.8%), and the lesions were more frequently located in the conjunctiva (11/16, 68.8%). In scientific dissemination media, this is the first report of habronemosis on the Santa Catarina Plateau, Brazil. This information will contribute to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of skin diseases in horses in this region.

In recent years, air sac parasitic helminths have been reported to cause severe disease in birds. In addition, various species appear to be expanding and infecting new avian hosts in various regions worldwide. In this context, an air sac nematode was initially detected in 2014 infecting the Eurasian scops owl, hospitalized in the local wildlife hospital in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Years later, the parasite was detected in 2 other owl species. Air sac nematodes had never been reported in the Mallorcan Strigiformes before. A comprehensive molecular and morphological characterization analysis, including scanning electron microscopy, was required for species confirmation. The species was identified as Lissonema sicki , a parasite infrequently reported in South American owls. Since its first introduction to Mallorca, it has dramatically increased in prevalence in hospitalized birds, being highly prevalent in the Eurasian scops owl (41%), in the long-eared owl (11%) and in the barn owl (4%). The introduction pathway of this parasite to Europe remains unknown. This discovery underscores the expanding range and impact of L. sicki , emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance and research to comprehend and manage the implications of its emergence in new territories.

Spirocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi that affects several canids around the world. In Costa Rica, few spirocercosis cases have been reported; however, it is suspected that the infection is currently underdiagnosed. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has sped up the spread of scientific knowledge, raising practioner's awareness of the epidemiology and signs and manifestations of infections. The aim of this work was to use social media as a tool for increasing awareness of spirocercosis among veterinarians and investigate the frequency of cases occurring in Costa Rica. Infographic material about the infection was disseminated by Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram from January 2021 to July 2022 using a public account of the Laboratory of Helminthology of the University of Costa Rica. In addition, Google Forms questionnaires were completed by veterinarians to report the number of spirocercosis cases in their clinics, associated manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Remarkably, since 2020, a six-fold increase in the number of cases per year was noted. Clinical manifestations matched those reported elsewhere, and one of every three dogs infected with S. lupi died spontaneously or required euthanasia because of the infection. This work suggests that S. lupi infection in Costa Rica may have been underdiagnosed in the last decade, and the knowledge and awareness of clinical personnel play a major role in the detection of this and other infectious diseases., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Thelazia callipaeda, the zoonotic "oriental eye worm", is an emerging nematode known to infect a wide range of hosts, particularly carnivores (wild and domestic canids and felids, mustelids, and ursids), but also other mammal groups (suids, lagomorphs, monkeys, and humans), across a wide geographical area. New host-parasite associations and human cases have mostly been reported in endemic areas. A less studied group of hosts is represented by zoo animals that may harbor T. callipaeda.A 23-year old male lion (Panthera leo) that was born in a public zoo in Reșița (Caraș-Severin County, Romania) was submitted to the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca for investigations after death from unknown reasons in November 2022. Four nematodes were collected from the right eye during the necropsy and submitted to morphological and molecular characterization.Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as three females and one male T. callipaeda. The BLAST analysis revealed 100% nucleotide identity to numerous isolates of T. callipaeda haplotype 1.The present paper presents a new host-parasite association between T. callipaeda and P. leo from a zoo in Romania., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Objective: To understand the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human ocular thelaziasis patients in China., Methods: Case reports regarding human ocular thelaziasis cases in China were retrieved in international and national electronic databases, including CNKI, VIP, CBM, Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Wanfang Database, PubMed and Web of Science from 2011 to 2022. Patients' gender, age, clinical symptoms, treatment, recurrence, site of infections, time of onset, affected eye, affected sites, number of infected Thelazia callipaeda , sex of T. callipaeda and source of infections were extracted for descriptive analyses., Results: A total of 85 eligible publications were included, covering 101 cases of human ocular thelaziasis, including 57 males (56.44%) and 44 females (43.56%) and aged from 3 months to 85 years. The main clinical manifestations included foreign body sensation (56 case-times, 22.49%), eye itching (38 case-times, 15.26%), abnormal or increased secretions (36 case-times, 14.46%), tears (28 case-times, 11.24%) and eye redness (28 case-times, 11.24%), and conjunctival congestion (50 case-times, 41.67%) was the most common clinical sign. The most common main treatment (99/101, 98.02%) was removal of parasites from eyes using ophthalmic forceps, followed by administration with ofloxacin and pranoprofen. In publications presenting thelaziasis recurrence, there were 90 cases without recurrence (97.83%) and 2 cases with recurrence (2.17%). Of all cases, 51.96% were reported in four provinces of Hubei, Shandong, Sichuan, Hebei and Henan, and ocular thelaziasis predominantly occurred in summer (42.19%) and autumn (42.19%). In addition, 56.45% (35/62) had a contact with dogs., Conclusions: The human thelaziasis cases mainly occur in the continental monsoon and subtropical monsoon climate areas such as the Yellow River and the Yangtze River basin, and people of all ages and genders have the disease, with complex clinical symptoms and signs. Personal hygiene is required during the contact with dogs, cats and other animals, and individual protection is required during outdoor activities to prevent thelaziasis.

Background: Thelaziosis is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematode worms of the genus Thelazia which affects various hosts. Limited attention has been given to ungulate-associated Thelazia species. Current diagnosis of thelaziosis and the identification/differentiation of species heavily relies on morphological features. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study in Romanian cattle, with the aim to obtain morphological and molecular data that can be used for species identification., Methods: The eyes of 705 slaughtered cattle were sampled and subjected to morphological identification, morphometric analysis, and molecular characterization. PCR amplification and sequence analysis were performed based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Statistical tests assessed the correlations between infection parameters and ecological or biogeographical factors. A novel PCR method was developed based on the consensus sequence from each species. Specific forward primers were designed for each of the three species, and a reverse primer (COIintR) was used for all reactions. A consensus thermal profile was established by gradient PCR amplification of each species separately., Results: Of the sampled cattle, 19.3% were infected with Thelazia spp. Prevalence varied significantly with ecogeographical factors. A total of 585 Thelazia nematodes were recovered, with T. rhodesi being the most abundant, followed by T. skrjabini and T. gulosa. Morphometric and molecular analyses supported the morphological identification, yielding unique sequences for each species. From the 59 T. rhodesi specimens sequenced, 29 unique sequences were obtained, with a 99.1-99.85% nucleotide identity to the only other COI sequence present in GenBank®. All nine T. gulosa isolates were unique (99.37-100% nucleotide identity to other sequences), while T. skrjabini specimens displayed 98.47-100% nucleotide identity to the sole available sequence., Conclusions: Bovine thelaziosis is prevalent in Romania, raising concerns for animal welfare and potential economic impacts. Infected cattle grazing alongside vulnerable wild ruminants, such as the European bison, may affect conservation efforts. Our newly developed multiplex PCR shows promise as a valuable surveillance tool, enabling the detection of occult infections in apparently healthy animals through lachrymal secretion testing., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Ocular thelaziosis is a parasitosis distributed mainly in East Asia, but increasingly described in Europe in different domestic and wild animals, including dogs, different wild canids and lagomorphs, and exceptionally in humans. In Spain, in some areas, a high infection prevalence rate has been described in domestic canids, which may lead to an increase in human cases. However, the description of human cases is still exceptional, which suggests that they are probably underdiagnosed. A case of ocular thelaziosis in a 2-year-old girl from an urban environment is described., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The genus Spirocerca includes nematodes that parasitize the stomach and the oesophagus of carnivores, chiefly canids. Herein, we provide new data about the morphological, histopathological, and molecular characterization of Spirocerca sp. in Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Chile. Intact immature worms, identified as Spirocerca sp., were recovered in the lumen of the stomach from two foxes. Histologically, worms morphologically consistent with spirurid nematodes were present within the wall of the stomach and surrounded by nodular areas of inflammation with central necrotic debris. Molecular analysis of the cox1 gene yielded 19 sequences and 5 nucleotide sequence types with 99.95 to 99.98% similarity, being shared between both foxes. Nucleotide similarity ranged from 93.1 (with genotype 2 of S. lupi and S. vulpis) to 95.8% (with genotype 1 of S. lupi), a higher similarity than noted from sequences of S. lupi from an Andean fox from Peru (91.0 to 93.3%). However, the Poisson Tree Processes for species delineation did not support the existence of a new species Spirocerca. Phylogenetic and nucleotide analyses suggest that these specimens belong to a new variant or genotype of S. lupi or to a cryptic species. Whether the presence of the worms in the stomach has to do with genotypic differences in parasites or host or some combination is uncertain. Spirocerca lupi has never been found in Chilean dogs and must be investigated., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: The oriental eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida: Thelaziidae) is an emerging parasitic ocular nematode of carnivores and humans. In domestic animals and humans, the infection causes varying degrees of inflammation and lacrimation, and wild carnivores represent an important reservoir. In this study we examined the infection status and molecular characterization of T. callipaeda in two urban carnivores, raccoons Procyon lotor and wild Japanese raccoon dogs Nyctereutes viverrinus, in the Kanto region of Japan., Methods: From January 2020 to December 2021, 193 carcasses including 178 raccoons and 15 raccoon dogs were examined for the presence of worms in the eye. The worms from infected animals (one worm per host) were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. Worms (1-5 worms per host) were subjected to genetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences., Results: The prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons and Japanese raccoon dogs was 20.2% (36/178) and 13.3% (2/15), respectively. The cox1 sequences from 56 worms from 38 animals revealed three haplotypes (h9, h10, and h12). Analysis of multiple worms for five raccoons showed co-infection of two different haplotypes (h9 and h10) in a single host. Comparing our data with published sequences, three sequences obtained from raccoons and raccoon dogs shared the same haplotypes as those reported in humans, dogs, and cats in Japan., Conclusions: Our findings show a high prevalence of T. callipaeda in raccoons, suggesting that this invasive carnivore species serves as an important natural reservoir of T. callipaeda in the Kanto region of Japan, an area with the highest human population of the country., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Equine thelaziosis is a neglected vector-borne parasitic disease in modern veterinary medicine, lacking recent reports. It is transmitted by Musca autumnalis, and potentially other Muscidae species, by ingesting the lachrymal secretions of its equine host. The distribution of both Thelazia lacrymalis and its intermediate hosts remains largely unknown throughout Europe, with most studies dating back 20 years. The aim of this study was to assess the presence, prevalence and distribution of T. lacrymalis in horses from Romania., Methods: The eyes of 273 horses, slaughtered at two abattoirs from the Northwestern and Western regions of Romania, were examined for the presence of T. lacrymalis between March and November 2021. Upon detection, the nematodes were collected and morphologically identified using the keys from literature. Following identification, one specimen from each animal was selected for molecular analysis while the rest underwent detailed morphometric measurements. Mapping and distribution, according to ecoregions, was done using the QGis 3.20 software, while sequences obtained were compared to those available in GenBank through BLAST analysis using the MEGA X software., Results: Of the 273 animals sampled, 12 (4.39%) were positive for Thelazia spp., Infection: Eighty-seven nematodes were recovered, all morphologically identified as T. lacrymalis. The intensity of infestation varied between one and 33 nematodes/animal while five animals presented a bilateral infestation and seven a unilateral one. The highest prevalence was encountered in Pannonian ecoregion (12.12%) while the lowest was in the Alpine ecoregion (0%). Seventy-five intact specimens underwent detailed morphometric analysis, of the 18-20 parameters, resulting in notable differences in striation lengths compared to the data available in other reports. BLAST analysis identified a 96.46-98.60% similarity to the only other COI gene sequence available for T. lacrymalis., Conclusions: The current study represents the first report of T. lacrymalis in horses in Romania. The low prevalence rates are probably linked to the wide use of macrocyclic lactones., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The zoonotic parasitic nematode Thelazia callipaeda, also known as the oriental eye worm, is endemic in several European countries, including Portugal. Infections may result in ocular disease in domestic and wild animals as well as humans, with more or less severe manifestations. We report the first human case of ocular thelaziosis by T. callipaeda in Portugal, a country where the parasite had already been found to infect dogs, cats, red foxes, wild rabbits and a beech marten. An 80-year-old patient from east-central Portugal, who had been suffering from tearing for a few years, had whitish filiform fragments removed from the left eye. Polymerase chain reaction of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 18S small subunit rRNA genes followed by bidirectional sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed T. callipaeda haplotype 1, the only haplotype previously reported in Europe. The endemicity of T. callipaeda in domestic and wild animals in east-central Portugal makes it very likely that infection of the human patient had occurred locally. In east-central and other geographical areas of Portugal, veterinarians and physicians, especially ophthalmologists, should regard T. callipaeda as a cause of ocular pathology in animals and humans., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Spirurid nematode Thelazia callipaeda, transmitted by the fruit fly Phortica variegata, is a causative agent of an ocular parasitic disease called also canine thelaziosis. Dogs, cats, and wild canids are considered the primary definitive hosts for the parasite, but humans may also serve as aberrant definitive hosts. For long decades the geographic range of T. callipaeda was strictly limited to the territory of Asia, but after the year 2000, the parasite began to spread rapidly through Europe. The first autochthonous infections of dogs and foxes in Slovakia were recorded in 2016. In the present study, the results of a whole-area surveillance for canine thelaziosis are reported. Altogether, 142 cases of infection caused by T. callipaeda were diagnosed by veterinarians in dogs between 2016 and the first quarter of 2021, and two cases of feline thelaziosis were recorded. The majority of the dogs showed mild ocular signs manifested by conjunctivitis; 8.5% of them suffered from more serious mucopurulent discharge, and in two dogs corneal ulceration was recorded. The screening revealed increasing trends in the occurrence of canine thelaziosis from both a temporal and spatial point of view and unambiguously confirms the endemic status of T. callipaeda in Slovakia with the prospect of its further expansion., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) eyeworm, a zoonotic parasite transmitted by lachryphagus drosophilids, causes subclinical to clinical ocular disease in a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. In the past 20 years, the infection spread primarily in areas where the vector thrives, and now is endemic in many European countries. Recently, this nematode has been reported also in the United States. Here, we describe the first record of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) as a host of T. callipaeda. Eight (26.7%) out of 30 bears were found to be infected with T. callipaeda adult worms. In addition, the parasite was detected in 13 wolves (Canis lupus) sharing the same environment with the brown bears. At the molecular characterization, all nematodes belonged to the haplotype 1, which is the only one recorded in Europe, as yet. This finding demonstrates that brown bears may act as hosts for this parasite, suggesting its potential role in the maintenance of the cycle not only in the wild but also in captivity. Under the above circumstances, the brown bear may represent a potential zoonotic risk for humans, both in rural and urban areas where other reservoirs may be infected., (© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Spirocerca lupi infection in dogs (Canis domesticus) is associated with esophageal lesions that may evolve to a neoplastic stage in the form of esophageal sarcoma. In the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) infected with the closely related Spirocerca vulpis, similar lesions may occur in the stomach, but neoplastic forms have not been reported. We characterize Spirocerca vulpis-induced lesions in the fox, using pathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques. Seventy-one out of 163 Spirocerca vulpis-positive red foxes were selected and subjected to histopathological study. Lesions were classified as patchy or diffuse. Ten patchy and 10 diffuse lesion samples were studied using three IHC markers (CD68, CD3, and CD79α for macrophages, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, respectively) and H&E stain for neutrophils and eosinophils. Intensity of necrosis, hemorrhages, and the presence of collagen was also analyzed. Of the S. vulpis-positive red foxes, 96.9% had S. vulpis nodules localized in the gastric area (wall and/or omentum), and 3.1% had nodules in the small intestine. All the samples had a moderate to severe lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Mild eosinophil infiltration was observed in both types of lesions, while neutrophil infiltration was significatively higher in the patchy than in the diffuse lesions. Fibrosis with mature collagen fibers was also predominant in the patchy lesions along with the presence of T lymphocytes and macrophages. Both the patchy and diffuse patterns had very few B lymphocytes. These findings suggest that the diffuse form is an earlier stage of the lesion, which eventually evolves into patchy forms. Neoplastic forms were not seen. Although more studies are necessary, this study describes the lesions, characterizes the inflammatory infiltrates, and establishes a possible evolution of the different pathological forms of S. vulpis infection in the red fox., (© Wildlife Disease Association 2022.)

Objectives: Thelaziosis caused by the nematode Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) affects the eyes of domestic and wild carnivores, lagomorphs and even humans. The role of cats in spreading thelaziosis remains unclear. The present study assesses the current status of feline T callipaeda infection in Spain and presents the results of the first prophylactic trial conducted in this species., Methods: We retrospectively analysed the occurrence of feline thelaziosis (study 1), examined its prevalence based on cross-sectional sampling of endemic areas (study 2), and assessed the therapeutic/prophylactic benefits of a spot-on (moxidectin) and therapeutic efficacy of an eye drop (ivermectin) formulation (study 3)., Results: In study 1, 69 Thelazia -infected cats were examined. Autochthonous cases were detected in 18/26 municipalities surveyed in Spain, which corresponds to 88.4% (n = 61/69) of the total number of cases. In study 2, 74 cats (20 from La Vera region and 54 from Orense province) were examined from 2011 to 2013. Ten of these cats (13.5%) were infected with T callipaeda . The infection prevalence was 40% (n = 8/20) in La Vera and 3.7% (n = 2/54) in Orense. The therapeutic efficacy of ivermectin was assessed over a summer (2011) in 12 cats, while that of moxidectin was examined over a 17-month period in seven cats. Four of these seven cats were subsequently included in an all-year-round prophylaxis trial. Treatment efficacy ranged from 91.7% (ivermectin) on day 28 after treatment to 100% (moxidectin) on day 14. Moxidectin prevented reinfections in cats., Conclusions and Relevance: Our data confirm the endemic status of T callipaeda infection in Spain, revealing its high prevalence in cats living in known endemic areas. Moxidectin was effective in treating and preventing infection. We strongly recommend the inclusion of thelaziosis in the differential diagnosis of pets and humans presenting with ocular manifestations, along with adequate preventive measures.

Thelazia callipaeda is a vector borne zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies of Phortica genus. It has been reported in humans from different parts of India including North Eastern region. Only one case of canine ocular thelaziosis has been reported from southern India while no case has yet been reported from the rest of the country. This communication reports the first case of canine ocular thelaziosis from Nagaland and the entire North East region of India along with the morphological characters and treatment., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Spirocerca lupi is a common parasitic nematode associated with esophageal cancer of canids. Recent surveys have revealed an increasing number of canids infected with Spirocerca spp. in Africa, the Americas, Europe and Western Asia, and described a new species, Spirocerca vulpis, from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). However, in Southeast Asia, research on Spirocerca spp. is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore Spirocerca infection in domestic dogs in Vietnam and to identify the Spirocerca species by analyzing their morphometric and molecular data. We found Spirocerca spp. specimens in 51 (17.7%) out of 287 dogs examined with the intensity of infection ranging from one to 29 nematodes per dog. These nematodes were morphologically and molecularly identified as S. lupi. For morphology, the presence/absence of teeth, the ratio of glandular to muscular esophagus lengths, and the position of the vulva opening of S. lupi and S. vulpis varied between reports, suggesting caution in identification of Spirocerca species based exclusively on morphological characteristics. The molecular analysis based on a partial cox1 sequence revealed that S. lupi from Vietnam is genetically close to those from India and China, but far different from those of Israel, South Africa, Peru and Hungary. Given high genetic and morphological variations, more extensive surveys on Spirocerca spp. from various mammalian hosts at a greater scale are necessary to elucidate the divergence of this nematode., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Several mortality events involving barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) were reported in the Upper Midwestern states in 2017 and 2018. Barn swallow mortality followed unseasonal cold snaps, with the primary cause of death being emaciation with concurrent air sac nematodiasis. Lesions in cliff swallows were consistent with blunt force trauma from suspected car impacts. Examination of air sac nematodes from both bird species revealed morphological characters consistent with Diplotriaena obtusa. Sequence analysis of the partial 18S rRNA gene indicated the samples clustered with other species in the genus Diplotriaena. These nematodes provide a link between morphological specimens and DNA sequence data for D. obtusa., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2021.)

Encapsulation of the parasitic nematode Anguillicola crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Hagaki is commonly observed in its native host, the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica Temminck & Schlegel). Encapsulation has also been described in a novel host, the European eel (A. anguilla L.), and there is evidence that encapsulation frequency has increased since the introduction of A. crassus. We examined whether encapsulation of A. crassus provides an advantage to its novel host in Lake Müggelsee, NE Germany. We provide the first evidence that encapsulation was associated with reduced abundance of adult A. crassus. This pattern was consistent in samples taken 3 months apart. There was no influence of infection on the expression of the two metabolic genes studied, but the number of capsules was negatively correlated with the expression of two mhc II genes of the adaptive immune response, suggesting a reduced activation. Interestingly, eels that encapsulated A. crassus had higher abundances of two native parasites compared with non-encapsulating eels. We propose that the response of A. anguilla to infection by A. crassus may interfere with its reaction to other co-occurring parasites., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Fish Diseases published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Procamallanus is a species-rich genus of parasitic nematodes of marine, brackish, and freshwater fishes, occurring also occasionally in amphibians and reptiles. In the Neotropical region, this genus is highly diverse, with species described from a wide range of fish families. In this study, we reassess the taxonomic status of Procamallanus rebecae with molecular and morphological data and describe a new species endemic to Nicaragua and Costa Rica. We analyzed all Procamallanus isolated from fish from the Nicaraguan lakes and some rivers in Costa Rica after an exhaustive analysis of their freshwater fish endoparasite fauna. Procamallanus rebecae is a host-specific parasite of Middle American cichlids, previously reported in southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. We therefore compared these Central American specimens with individuals of P. rebecae collected in cichlids from southeastern Mexico using two genomic regions (28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, COI). We found high levels of sequence divergence between Procamallanus from the two geographical regions, with up to 9.8 and 10.5% for both genetic markers, respectively. We also analyzed their morphology and found conspicuous differences in the shape of the mouth and the structure of the female cauda. We therefore describe the specimens of Procamallanus from Central American cichlids as a new species. Both Procamallanus species occur in different cichlid species and are allopatrically distributed. The host specificity and ancient association patterns between cichlids and Procamallanus and the jointly colonization of both hosts and parasites during their northern dispersal from South America are briefly discussed.

Based on light and electron microscopical studies, a new nematode parasite, Echinocephalus inserratus sp. n. (Spirurida: Gnathostomatidae), is described from the spiral valve of the broad cowtail stingray Pastinachus ater (Macleay) (Dasyatidae, Myliobatiformes) from off New Caledonia. The new species is morphologically and biometrically most similar to Echinocephalus overstreeti Deardorff et Ko, 1983, differing from it mainly in the absence of serrations on the posterior parts of pseudolabia and on interlabia, and in having a longer gubernaculum (150-299 µm long). Morphologically unidentifiable, mostly encapsulated larvae of Echinocephalus spp. were recorded from the following six species of teleost fishes collected in New Caledonian waters, serving as paratenic hosts: Perciformes: Acanthopagrus berda (Forsskål) (Sparidae) and Nemipterus furcosus (Valenciennes) (Nemipteridae); Tetraodontiformes: Abalistes stellatus (Anonymous), Pseudobalistes fuscus (Bloch et Schneider) (both Balistidae), Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin) (Tetraodontidae) and Aluterus monoceros (Linnaeus) (Monacanthidae). Co-parasitising larvae of Ascarophis sp. and Hysterothylacium sp. were also collected from P. fuscus. All these findings represent new host and geographical records. A key to valid species of Echinocephalus Molin, 1858 is provided.

Draschia megastoma, Habronema microstoma, and Habronema muscae are the etiological agents of cutaneous habronemosis, commonly known as summer sores, an inflammatory cutaneous and ocular parasitic disease of horses and other equids transmitted by flies. Here, we describe a cluster of cutaneous habronemosis in five horses that showed single or multiple typical cutaneous ulcerative wounds located on the face, lower forelegs or hindquarters in Israel with the presence of typical "sulphur granules." All affected animals were confirmed by histopathological and/or molecular methods to be infected by H. muscae. This constitutes the first report of cutaneous habronemosis in Israel in which the causative nematode, H. muscae, was identified by molecular means. Cutaneous habronemosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in equids with cutaneous ulcerative lesions during the summer months, especially when affected animals are refractive to antibiotic treatment alone., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Thelazia californiensis is a spirurid nematode found in the conjunctival sac of domestic and wild animals, including humans, across the western United States of America. Herein, we report two cases of thelaziosis by T. californiensis in dogs from New Mexico, United States, based on integrated morphological and molecular approaches. Nematode specimens collected from the conjunctiva of both dogs were identified as T. californiensis based on morphology. Our study substantially expands the knowledge on morphometry of this nematode species. Therefore, these data will be useful for accurate diagnosis of thelaziosis in domestic animals, wildlife and humans in North America, using classical, microscopy-based methods. We characterized for the first time the mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 12S genes of T. californiensis. While these markers support the validity of T. californiensis, they were not very informative for elucidating the phylogenetic relationships among Thelazia species. Nevertheless, the characterization of these diagnostic markers for T. californiensis will be useful for studies on the epidemiology, molecular xenomonitoring of fanniid vectors, and population genetics of this multi-host, zoonotic parasite., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Probstmayria gombensis File, 1976 (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea: Atractidae) individuals discharged in the feces of eastern chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, in Bulindi, Uganda, were examined morphologically. Adults and fourth-stage larvae, all females, found in the feces, and the third-stage larvae excised from the uterus of the gravid females were described. By close observation of the molting worms, it was considered that the uterine third-stage larvae attain molting phase, and then are laid to become fourth-stage larvae. Nutrients required for larval development in the uterus seem to be supplied by the mother after the eggshell is formed. After some growth in the host intestine, the fourth-stage larvae undergo the final molt to the adult stage. The genital primordium was very small in the early fourth-stage larvae but rapidly developed with embryonation in the pre-molt and molting phases. Such precocity suggests parthenogenetic reproduction without insemination by males. This style may enhance rapid autoinfection in the host intestine under the condition of male worm scarcity. Several ellipsoidal pseudocoelomocytes with granules of unknown function were found ventral to the intestine of the adults, fourth-stage larvae, and third-stage larvae., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2021.)

Quail populations in the United States have been declining for several decades, and the role that parasites may be playing in this decline is not well understood. The goal of this study was to document novel parasites that inhabited the scaled quail, Callipepla squamata, of the Trans-Pecos ecoregion of Texas. To do this, quail were collected by hunter-harvest, night-netting, and funnel-trapping and were necropsied in the laboratory to determine the parasites they hosted. After analyzing 386 birds, we identified Dispharynx sp. in one of the samples. This specimen is the first to be officially documented in scaled quail., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2021.)

The Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is a popular game bird that has been experiencing a well-documented decline throughout Texas since the 1960s. While much of this decline has been attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation, recent studies have identified other factors that may also contribute to decreasing quail populations. Parasites, in particular, have become increasingly recognized as possible stressors of quail, and some species, particularly the eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and cecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) are highly prevalent in Texas quails. Eyeworm infection has also been documented in some passerines, suggesting helminth infection may be shared between bird species. However, the lack of comprehensive helminth surveys has rendered the extent of shared infection between quail and passerines in the ecoregion unclear. Thus, helminth surveys were conducted on bobwhite, scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), Northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos), curve-billed thrashers (Toxistoma curvirostre), and Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) to contribute data to existing parasitological gaps for birds in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Birds were trapped across 3 counties in the Texas Rolling Plains from March to October 2019. Necropsies were conducted on 54 individuals (36 quail and 18 passerines), and extracted helminths were microscopically identified. Nematode, cestode, and acanthocephalan helminths representing at least 10 helminth species were found. Specifically, A. pennula and O. petrowi had the highest prevalence, and O. petrowi was documented in all of the study species. This research adds to the body of knowledge regarding parasitic infections in quail and passerines of the Rolling Plains ecoregion and highlights the potential consequences of shared infection of eyeworms among these bird species., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2021.)

Purpose: The nematodes of the genus Thelazia are the cause of eye diseases of wild and domestic ruminants throughout the world. The aim of the study was to describe clinical cases of thelasiosis in European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland, and provide morphometrical features of Thelazia gulosa Railiet and Henry, 1910 and Thelazia skrjabini Erschov, 1928 regarded as potentially useful for species differentiation METHODS: The conjunctival sacs, tear ducts, the surface of the cornea and nicitating membrane collected from bison were rinsed with saline solution. Any nematodes isolated from the sediment were subjected to morphometric analysis., Results: Thirteen of the 16 examined European bison were infected with Thelazia nematodes, belonging to the species T. gulosa and T. skrjabini. The intensity of infection ranged from one to six (mean intensity 5), and four to 29 (mean intensity 14) nematodes T. skrjabini and T. gulosa respectively. Congestion of conjunctival sac, keratitis and corneal opacity, corneal ulceration and perforation as well as purulent eyeball inflammation were observed in infected animals., Conclusions: Thelazia gulosa and T. skrjabini can be identified by morphometrical features. As thelasiosis might be a serious threat for protected population of European bison, further studies are needed of the epidemiology and pathology of this emerging parasitosis in Poland.

Integrative taxonomy was used to evaluate two component populations of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus in Brazil and the phylogeny Camallanidae. Parasite populations were collected in the characiform Anostomoides passionis from River Xingu (Amazon basin) and Megaleporinus elongatus from River Miranda (Paraguay basin). Morphology was analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Genetic characterization was based on partial sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA, and COI mtDNA. Phylogenies were based on 18S and COI due to data availability. Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), Poisson Tree Process (PTP) and *BEAST were used for species delimitation and validation. SEM revealed for the first time the presence of minute denticles and pore-like structures surrounding the oral opening, phasmids in females and confirmed other important morphological aspects. Statistical comparison between the two-component populations indicated morphometric variations, especially among males. The different component population of P. (S.) inopinatus showed variable morphometry, but uniform morphology and were validated as conspecific by the GMYC, PTP and *BEAST. Some camallanid sequences in GenBank have incorrect taxonomic labelling. Host, environment and geographic aspects seem to be related to some lineages within Camallanidae; however, their real phylogenetic meanings are still unclear.

Because of their free-ranging nature, the probability of wild animals being exposed to vector-borne pathogens is likely higher than that of humans and pets. Recently, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has been suspected as being a reservoir or host of several pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. We conducted a molecular survey on 93 red foxes hunted in 2008-18, in the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône and Var, in southeastern France, for pathogens including Leishmania infantum, Piroplasmida, Hepatozoon spp., nematodes, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasmataceae. Spleen samples were screened for the presence of vector-borne pathogens by PCR followed by sequencing. Pathogens were detected in 94% (87/93) of red foxes, and coinfections were identified in 24% (22/93) of foxes. We identified DNA from Hepatozoon canis, L. infantum, and Babesia vogeli in 92% (86/93), 15% (14/93), and 3% (3/93) of red foxes, respectively. We also found DNA of nematodes in 3% (3/93) of foxes; Spirocerca vulpis was identified in one fox and Dirofilaria immitis in the two others. Interestingly, C. burnetii genotype 3, previously described in humans from the same region, was identified in 3% (3/93) of foxes and Anaplasma platys in 2% (2/93) of foxes. We did not detect DNA of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., or Rickettsia spp. In our study, the prevalence of pathogens did not vary by fox origin, sex, or tick carriage. Molecular evidence of B. vogeli, H. canis, S. vulpis, D. immitis, C. burnetii, and A. platys in red foxes has not previously, to our knowledge, been reported from southern France. We propose that red foxes are potential reservoirs for several pathogens, including major zoonotic agents such as L. infantum. They could be incidental hosts for pathogens, such C. burnetii. The high prevalence for H. canis suggests an important role of foxes in domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) infection. These animals may pose a threat to human and animal health., (© Wildlife Disease Association 2020.)

Spirocerca vulpis is a parasitic nematode of red foxes associated with gastric nodule formation. Since its description in 2018, this species has been reported in red foxes from Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Portugal. We present here the analysis of uncharacterized nematodes obtained from gastric nodules of a red fox from Switzerland in 1999. The specimens were identified as S. vulpis based on the observation of teeth-like structures in the buccal capsule and a 99.4% sequence identity to S. vulpis DNA from Spain. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the clustering of the Swiss sequences in a different group from specimens of other geographical locations. Altogether, this study constitutes the first report of S. vulpis in Switzerland and a report of the oldest specimen of this species in the world. Our findings highlight the widespread distribution of S. vulpis in Europe which may be facilitated by the free-roaming nature of red foxes.

Purpose: Human cases of thelaziasis caused by Thelazia callipaeda have increased in China in recent years. Although this species is of medical importance, our knowledge about the epidemiology of thelaziasis is still fragmentary. This study first reports a case of thelaziasis in central China. Then, the epidemiology of thelaziasis in China in the past 100 years (1917-2018) is reviewed., Methods: A 5-year-old girl experienced discomfort in her left eye. Four thread-like worms were seen in the nasal upper eyelid of the left eye. The symptoms disappeared after these parasites were removed. In addition, we reviewed studies of Chinese human thelaziasis cited in articles or book chapters in all languages from inception to 31 Dec 2019., Results: China is the nation with the most reports of thelaziasis (653 cases) in the world. More human cases were reported in central and eastern China than in other areas, and the majority of cases were from rural areas in poor socioeconomic settings., Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to this neglected disease in China. The use of a One Health approach is imperative for preventing eyeworm infections in humans.

Recent examinations of marine perciform fishes from off the Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida, USA, revealed the presence of the following six species of Philometra Costa, 1845 (Nematoda: Philometridae): P. haemulontis sp. n. (males and females) from the ovary of Haemulon plumierii (Lacepède) (type host) and H. aurolineatum Cuvier (both Haemulidae); Philometra synagridis Moravec, Bakenhaster et Fajer-Ávila, 2014 (males and females) from the ovary and testes of Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus) (Lutjanidae); P. margolisi Moravec, Vidal-Martínez et Aguirre-Macedo, 1995 (male) from the ovary of Hyporthodus nigritus (Holbrook) (Serranidae) (new host record; probably a paradefinitive host); P. andersoni sp. n. (male) from the ovary of H. nigritus; Philometra sp. 1 (male) from the ovary of Rhomboplites aurorubens (Cuvier) (Lutjanidae); and Philometra sp. 2 (females) from the subcutaneous tissue of the anterior-most head sinuses of Hyporthodus niveatus (Valenciennes) (Serranidae). Specimens of species are described and illustrated based on light and (except for Philometra sp. 1) scanning electron microscopical examinations. Philometra haemulontis sp. n. differs from all congeners in the unique structure of the gubernaculum, whereas P. andersoni sp. n. can be differentiated from other gonad-infecting congeners parasitising the Serranidae by a combination of morphological features. Females of P. synagridis are described for the first time. Gravid females of Philometra sp. 2 are similar to those of P. morii Moravec, Bakenhaster et Fajer-Ávila, 2010, a subcutaneous parasite of Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes) (Serranidae) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Histomoniasis is a significant disease of gallinaceous birds caused by Histomonas meleagridis . Transmission of this parasite is dependent on use of the cecal nematode Heterakis gallinarum . To define the host range of this nematode, cecal contents from 399 game birds and poultry, representing eight species, were examined for Heterakis spp. The majority of these species (five of eight) were infected with Heterakis nematodes. Heterakis gallinarum was detected in free-ranging wild turkeys ( Meleagridis gallopovo ), captive-raised ring-necked pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus ), chukars ( Alectoris chukar ), and domestic chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ), whereas H. isolonche was found in ruffed grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ). No Heterakis species were identified in the domestic turkey ( Meleagridis gallopovo ), American woodcock ( Scolopax minor ), and dabbling duck ( Anas spp.) samples. Genetic characterization indicated that nematodes identified as H. gallinarum were present in two distinct clades. One clade of H. gallinarum sequenced from this study grouped with chicken-derived sequences from other countries. The other group of sequences consisted of a sister clade to a group of parasites morphologically identified as H. isolonche . Currently it is unknown if this group represents a genetic variant of H. gallinarum , a variant of H. isolonche , or a novel species. These results indicate Heterakis infection varies among poultry and game bird species but is common among select gallinaceous species in Pennsylvania.

The genus Rhabdochona Railliet, 1916 is one of the most speciose group of nematodes, parasites of freshwater fishes, with approximately 103 species described worldwide. Twenty-two species have been recorded in the Americas, 14 of them in Mexico. In this paper we describe a new species of Rhabdochona on the basis of light and scanning electron microscopy and molecular tools. Rhabdochona adentata n. sp. was recovered from the gallbladder of the freshwater Oaxaca killifish, Profundulus oaxacae (Meek, 1902) (Profundulidae) captured in the Río Grande, State of Oaxaca, Mexico. Rhabdochona adentata n. sp. differs markedly from its congeners by possessing an unusual prostom lacking anterior teeth, small simple deirids, and the location of the excretory pore at the level of the union of the muscular and glandular esophagus. Sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid and the D2 + D3 domains of the large ribosomal subunit (28S) were obtained from 3 specimens and were analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses. Phylogenetic analyses using COI and 28S genes recovered 1 new lineage of Rhabdochona. The new species is described on the basis of a detailed morphological study. This parasite represents the first species of Rhabdochona without prostomal teeth and with a different site of infection, the gallbladder., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2020.)

The main aim of this study was to not only establish the prevalence of the recently described Spirocerca vulpis parasite in the wild-life cycle of carnivores in western Spain but to also elaborate a model to explain the risk of infestation based on 16 topo-climatic and habitat variables. During the period from June 2016 to November 2017, 1644 carcasses of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and another 105 wild mammals, legally hunted or killed in car accidents, were analyzed. Parasitic nodules of Spirocerca were found in 6% of the foxes, and the molecular analyses established a homology of our samples with the species S. vulpis. There were no differences in the occurrence of the infestation between sexes, but there were differences in terms of age, such that infestation was proportionally more frequent among young individuals. In terms of temporality, a higher percentage of positive cases was observed during the late-autumn and winter months, especially between December and February. This study provides new data on the factors that predispose S. vulpis infection in the red fox. Model results indicate that a spatial pattern exists in the occurrence and prevalence of this species in the studied area (higher probabilities to the west), and that this pattern seems to mainly be associated with topo-climatic variables.

Background: The drosophilid Phortica variegata is known as vector of Thelazia callipaeda, the oriental eyeworm native to Asia that has become an emergent zoonotic agent in several European regions. Unlike almost all other arthropod vectors of pathogens, only P. variegata males feed of lachrymal secretions of animals, ingesting first-stage larvae (L1) of the worm living in the orbital cavities of the host, and allowing with the same behaviour the introduction of infective L3. Despite the increased detection of T. callipaeda in many European countries, information about the length of the lachryphagous activity period of P. variegata and a deep knowledge of the environmental and climatic variables involved are still limited., Methods: We herein present the results of a multicentre study involving five sites from four different countries (Italy, Spain, UK and USA) where canine thelaziosis is endemic and/or where it has already been ascertained the presence of P. variegata. Field data have been obtained on a fortnightly basis from mid-April to the end of November 2018 from a contemporary standardized sampling (same sampling effort and time of collection in all sites) of lachryphagous flies collected around the eyes of a human bait using an entomological net. These data have been associated to data collection of local climatic variables (day length, temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure and relative humidity)., Results: Overall, a total of 4862 P. variegata flies (4637 males and 224 females) were collected, with high differences in densities among the different sampling sites. Significant positive correlations were found between P. variegata male density and temperature and wind speed, while negative correlations were observed for barometric pressure and relative humidity. However, the above significant differences are confirmed in each sampling site separately only for the temperature., Conclusions: This multicentre study highlights that temperature is the major common environmental driver in describing the lachryphagous activity of P. variegata in Europe and USA and, therefore, the transmission risk of thelaziosis.

This study provides additional taxonomic features based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular data for Paracamallanus cyathopharynx ( Baylis, 1923 ) (Nematoda: Camallanidae). Parasites were collected from the posterior end of the intestine of cultured freshwater Sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from Kibos fish farm, Kisumu County, Kenya, from December 2017 to March 2018. Additional taxonomic features recorded for P. cyathopharynx include the occurrence of 4-5 equal length digitate processes on the caudal end of the female, 4 processes (2 smaller and 2 larger) on the male caudal end, and a description of the shape of the distal tip of the right spicule. The study provides SEM images of the exposed sclerotized buccal capsule. This gives more information on the tridents, the sclerotized plate that extends laterally from the buccal capsule, and the narrow isthmus separating the anterior buccal capsule from the posterior. The prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, and mean abundance was 52.91%, 2-38, 12.37 and 6.54, respectively. 18S rDNA fragments were amplified, sequenced, and compared to other camallanid taxa, and 18S data confirmed the identity of the newly obtained sequences (MN396556) as that of P. cyathopharynx, being identical to sequence DQ813445 from Tanzania. This represents the first geographical record of P. cyathopharynx in Kenya.

Thelazia callipaeda eye worm is a nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies not only primarily to carnivores and lagomorphs but also to humans. Only a few cases have been reported in Europe (Italy, France, and Portugal). Here, we report the first eye infection in a German patient.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) causes ocular infection in carnivorous animals and humans. While growing numbers of companion dogs and sometimes cats are being diagnosed with thelaziosis, little is known about its real spread. As it has been also diagnosed in wild animals and human beings, it is considered a potential emerging zoonotic disease. This study provides information about the spread of the parasite in dogs in Spain since its initial description in 2010 until 2018. The first detection of T. callipaeda in the Principality of Andorra in 2017 is also reported. Two different studies were conducted: a) a survey in which clinical cases from veterinary practices were collected and b) a prevalence study in two endemic areas in western and central Spain (Site 1 La Vera region, Cáceres, and Site 2 El Escorial municipality, Madrid). In total, 1114 cases of thelaziosis were detected in 121 municipalities of Spain and 6 municipalities of Andorra. In 92 out these 127 municipalities, reports were of autochthonous cases. Six hundred twenty-three out of 1114 presented data collection sheet and were included in the statistical analysis: 510 cases identified by veterinarians in Spain and Andorra in Study 1, and 113 cases detected among the 234 dogs (48.3 %) examined in the prevalence study (Study 2). Prevalences were 61.3 % (84/137) for Cáceres and 29.9 % (29/97) for Madrid, being Site 1 significantly more risky (P <  0.0001, odds ratio: 3.72, CI: 2.14-4.47 %) compared to Site 2. Our study updates data for canine thelaziosis reported in the last decade in Spain and Andorra. Results highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies to control the spread of this potential zoonotic disease., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cases of thelaziosis by Thelazia callipaeda have been increasing considerably in Europe throughout the 21st century, with recent emphasis on Eastern Europe. A systematic review was conducted using defined search terms across three major databases and, additionally, with the examination of the references of the 56 articles selected. Available information about epidemiological and clinical features of all cases of thelaziosis by T. callipaeda in companion animals, wildlife and humans was extracted, evaluated and subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. In all cross-sectional studies about dogs, cats and red foxes, males were more frequently infected than females (dogs: p = 0.0365; cats: p = 0.0164; red foxes: p = 0.0082). Adult dogs seem to be more prone to infection (p < 0.0001), as well as large-sized dogs (p < 0.0001), and companion animals that live exclusively outdoors (p < 0.0001). Dogs and red foxes involved in these cross-sectional studies harboured significantly more female than male nematodes (p < 0.0001). Thelaziosis by T. callipaeda is far from controlled in Europe. Only through updated epidemiological data, knowledge improvement and awareness can correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment and prevention be ensured to tackle this zoonosis., (© B. do Vale et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2020.)

Occasional examinations of some marine fishes in Japan revealed, in addition to other parasites, the following eight species of philometrid nematodes (Philometridae) (all females only): Philometra kidakoi sp. n. from the ovary of Gymnothorax kidako (Temminck et Schlegel) (Muraenidae); Philometra pinnicola (Yamaguti, 1935) from the operculum of Epinephelus akaara (Temminck et Schlegel) (Serranidae); Philometra sebastisci Yamaguti, 1941 from the ovary of Sebastes cheni Barsukov (Scorpaenidae) (new host); Philometra madai Quiazon, Yoshinaga et Ogawa, 2008 from the ovary of Acanthopagrus schlegelii (Bleeker) (Sparidae) (new host); Philometra isaki Quiazon, Yoshinaga et Ogawa, 2008 from the ovary of Parapristipoma trilineatum (Thunberg) (Haemulidae); Philometra sp. from the ovary of Synanceia verrucosa Bloch et Schneider (Synanceiidae); Congerinema japonicum gen. et sp. n. from the subcutaneous tissue of Conger myriaster (Brevoort) (Congridae); and Clavinema mariae (Layman, 1930) from the operculum of Acentrogobius pflaumii (Bleeker) (Gobiidae). Specimens of all species are described based on light and scanning electron microscopical examinations. Philometra kidakoi sp. n. is the first gonad-infecting philometrid from the Muraenidae. The new monotypic genus Congerinema gen. n. is characterised by the unique net-like cuticular ornamentation on the female body. Clavinema mariae is considered to be a complex of several cryptic species and a need of the discovery of conspecific males is stressed (this also concerns other philometrid species with unknown males). At present, the fauna of philometrid nematodes parasitising marine fishes in Japanese waters is represented by 22 nominal species belonging to four genera.

This is the first study describing the epidemiology of Spirocerca vulpis after its description as a new species in 2018. During the period 2006-2013, a total of 286 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Valencian Community (southeast Spain) were necropsied. Based on data collected, S. vulpis prevalence and intensity were calculated, as well as the spatial distribution of this nematode. Influence of host (sex and age) and environmental factors on S. vulpis occurrence was evaluated. MAXENT software was used to model and predict the parasite distribution. Continuous and discrete prediction maps were built using ArcMap 10.6. The prevalence of S. vulpis was 22% (63/286; 95% CI: 17.4-27.3), and the median intensity was 5 (IQR 11) nematode specimens. No significant difference in term of intensity was found between males and females; regarding the host age, S. vulpis was found only in adult foxes, with the exception of one juvenile individual. The distribution of S. vulpis in foxes was skewed to the left, highlighting that parasite infection affects few individuals within a population, with parasitized animals being responsible to maintain the infection at the population level. The majority of parasitized foxes had a parasite burden lower than eight parasites/individual. S. vulpis distribution in Valencian Community presents sharply defined areas in which there are optimal environmental conditions for maintaining the life cycle of this parasite. Climatic variables and altitude are the main factors influencing the parasite presence. Our results indicate that S. vulpis has epidemiological characteristics similar to those of S. lupi and, therefore, based on the phylogenetic proximity of both nematode species, it is likely that coprophagous beetle species might play a key epidemiological role in the maintenance of this newly described Spirocerca species. Moreover, it is currently unknown if S. vulpis can infect the dog and other wild canid species apart from the red fox and, if so, what are the pathogenic effects on these host species. Therefore, it is necessary to continue investigating the epidemiology of this parasite in order to know the range of appropriate host species. This information will enable to know if S. vulpis endemic areas should be considered as health risk points for dogs, especially for the most exposed, such as those living in rural areas, and hunting dogs., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Thelazia callipaeda was first described at the beginning of the 20th century in Asia, but this eyeworm is now frequently reported in Europe in the 21st century. To date, thelaziosis has been described in the following European countries (in order of appearance): Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Turkey and Austria. The infected vertebrate host species include domestic carnivores (dogs and cats), wild carnivores (red foxes, wolves, beech martens, wildcats and golden jackals), lagomorphs (brown hares and wild European rabbits) and humans. In Europe, 11 cases of human thelaziosis have been reported, the majority of which are autochthonous. However, some of them have been imported, a fact which highlights the importance of surveillance policies to restrict cross-border spread of the parasite. The objectives of this article are to review key aspects of the epidemiology of T. callipaeda, summarise animal and human cases in Europe and emphasise the importance of education and awareness among veterinarians, physicians (particularly ophthalmologists) and animal, in order to owners to tackle this zoonosis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)