<div>Background: Porcine cysticercosis, caused by Cysticercus cellulosae a larval stage of adult Taenia solium, is a zoonotic parasitic disease where pigs harbour intermediate stage&nbsp; and human being acts as a definite host. The people of north eastern region of India are mostly non-vegetarian and consumption of pork is very much preferred by the people of this region. Hence,it is essential to detect C. cellulosae infections in pork. But traditional method of detection of C. cellulosae by post mortem examination of pork has disadvantages like need of expert and may be over lookedin case of light infections. Molecular diagnosis have been reported to be highly specific and sensitive for its diagnosis. Keeping in view of the above, the present study on molecular detection of&nbsp; larval cestode C. cellulosae of pigs was undertaken. A study on phylogenetic relation of C. cellulosae of pigs or human Taenae solium of this region was done to know its relation with other parts of the world, as not yet done so far.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: A total of 654 pig carcasses in 17 market places of three prime districts of state Arunachal Pradesh, India were examined to detect Cysticercus cellulosae of pigs. The cysticerci samples were obtained manually from the infected muscles and organs of the infected pigs that were preserved in phosphate buffer saline until DNA extraction. Stool samples of human patients who attended out-patient department (OPD) of Community Health Centers, Nursing homes and District etc. of study area of Aunachal Pradesh, India were collected randomly and examined by salt flotation technique for the presence of T. solium eggs. The segments of tapeworm voided by patientswere then identified for species identification and T. solium segments were collected in normal saline solutions (NSS) after clearing the debris and faecal materials. Genomic DNA extraction from 3-4 numbers of cysticerci and T. solium segments collected from affected human being were extractedusing a spin column kit (D Neasy tissue kit: QUIGEN).The technique polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primers were used for molecular detection of C. cellulosae and to get molecular (PCR) products of T. solium for further study. The mitochondrial gene cytochrome b oxidase subunit was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were purified, sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method. 
 
Result: The present study recorded a PCR amplification of cytochrome b oxidase genes with a definite product size of 1068 bp from DNA extracted from C. cellulosae and T. solium. The product size obtained from C. cellulosae will be helpful for meat inspection by molecular detection of&nbsp; C. cellulosae infections in pork. The present finding signifies that the same genomic isolate of both the larval cestode and adult parasite of T. solium is prevailing in the study areas. The neighbors-joining phylogenic tree shows close similarity of the present isolates with that prevailing in other South East Asian countries and thus it can be assumed from the present finding that the same genotypic isolate of T. solium parasite is prevalent in the whole of South East Asian region.</div>

​Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genotype of Larval Cestode Cysticercus cellulosae of Pigs and Taenia solium of Man

Fishes &nbsp;infected &nbsp;with &nbsp;Adenoscolex oreini appeared anemic &nbsp; and &nbsp;the &nbsp;abdomen viscera &nbsp;appeared &nbsp;red &nbsp;on &nbsp;opening &nbsp;the &nbsp;abdomen &nbsp;and &nbsp;the &nbsp;abdominal &nbsp;fluid &nbsp;was tinged &nbsp;red. &nbsp;On &nbsp;opening &nbsp;the &nbsp;intestine &nbsp;necrotic &nbsp;debris &nbsp;was &nbsp;present &nbsp;on &nbsp;the surface &nbsp;and numerous parasites were pesent. The histopathological alterations observed in the intestine of fish were (severe degenerative and necrotic changes in the intestinal mucosa as well as edema between submucosa and mucosa). In parasitized Schizothorax niger, hyperplasia of intestinal mucous cells and enhanced mucus secretion were also noticed. Cestode bodies were covered with an adherent mucus blanket. The &nbsp;analysis &nbsp;of &nbsp;the &nbsp;seasonal &nbsp;variation &nbsp;on &nbsp;the &nbsp;histological &nbsp;parameters leads &nbsp;to &nbsp;the &nbsp;conclusion &nbsp;that &nbsp;the distribution or the severity of the lesions observed &nbsp;in &nbsp;the &nbsp;these &nbsp;organs &nbsp;were &nbsp;not &nbsp;related &nbsp;to &nbsp;the &nbsp;seasons. Such &nbsp;information &nbsp;confirms &nbsp;that &nbsp;histopathological alterations &nbsp;are &nbsp;good &nbsp;biomarkers &nbsp;for &nbsp;field &nbsp;assessment, &nbsp;in &nbsp;particular &nbsp;in &nbsp;tropical areas &nbsp;that &nbsp;are &nbsp;naturally &nbsp;subject &nbsp;to &nbsp;a &nbsp;multiplicity &nbsp;of &nbsp;environmental &nbsp;variations. &nbsp;It &nbsp;must &nbsp;be &nbsp;emphasized &nbsp;that &nbsp;histopathology &nbsp;is &nbsp;able &nbsp;to &nbsp;evaluate &nbsp;the early &nbsp;effects &nbsp;and &nbsp;the &nbsp;responses &nbsp;to &nbsp;acute &nbsp;exposure &nbsp;to &nbsp;parasitic &nbsp;infections &nbsp;and chemical &nbsp;stressors.&nbsp;

Seasonal histopathological alterations caused by Adenoscolex oreini in Schizothorax niger of Kashmir valley

<div style="text-align: justify;">This study was carried out to investigate the parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus) under captive condition in Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, Karnataka during 2015-2016. A total of 18 fecal samples from Indian cobra and 8 from Indian rock pythons were collected and screened. From 8 fecal samples of python, 7 were found positive for ova of Ophidascaris nematode, 4 for ova of Bothridia cestode and 3 for coccidian oocysts. From 18 fecal samples of Indian cobra, 5 were positive for Rhabdias ova and 1 for coccidian oocysts. Lung impression smear taken from one Indian cobra after necropsy and stained with Giemsa stain demonstrated Rhabdias larvated ova. From necropsy of 4 Indian rock pythons, granulomatous pneumonia in lungs, haemorrhages, edema, mucosal necrosis and thickening with nodule formation in large intestine was observed due to Ophidascaris nematode, while Bothridia tape worms caused severe congestion and hemorrhage of small intestinal mucosa as well as thickening of submucosa due to inflammatory reaction. Both Ophidascaris and Bothridia are highly pathogenic and cause mortality in Indian rock pythons. The Rhabdias infestation in Cobra though not much pathogenic, heavy infestation may lead to respiratory failure. Confinement induces stress and dysecdysis affecting the health of snakes under captivity. Probably the host diet (live feed) and the hygiene maintained in the enclosures are the most important determinants of the helminthic fauna of snakes. Careful examination of live feed and cleanliness in the enclosure supported by regular deworming can control the parasitic infections in snakes.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Demonstration of parasitic fauna in Indian cobra (Naja naja) and Indian rock python (Python molurus) reared in a Biological Park of Karnataka, South India</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the present study was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasitic infestations in captive bears maintained in Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru. A total of 85 fecal samples were collected over a period of 12 months from apparently normal/healthy captive bears and examined. The fecal samples were analysed using sedimentation and floatation techniques followed by microscopic identification of parasitic eggs. It revealed the prevalence of 51 (60%) Hymenolepis diminuta, 20 (23.52%) Toxocara sp ova, 3 (3.52%) Capillaria sp, 2 (2.35%) Trichuris sp ova, 2 (2.35%) Eimeria sp oocysts and 8 (9.41%) Ancylostomatid eggs. The study suggested that among different parasitic infections, the prevalence of cestodes was extremely higher, since insects were the intermediate hosts for the Hymenolepis sp. The study is suggestive of periodic anthelmintic therapy in the said species under captivity so as to maintain a sound health.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Coprological analysis for estimating prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive sloth bears (Melursus ursinus)</div>

<div>Background: A Rottweiler male dog carcass (7 years) with clinical history of inappetence, pyrexia, diarrhoea and nasal discharge was received in the post mortem hall of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana. The current work was aimed to study the clinical history, pathological and parasitological examination in the Rottweiler male dog carcass.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: After collection of the samples, laboratory work was undertaken in the laboratories of Department of Veterinary Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology, LUVAS, Hisar, Haryana (India) in the year 2018-2019 regarding the examination of the clinical history, pathological and parasitological investigation. 
 
Result: Necropsy revealed anaemic mucous membranes; pale conjunctiva; hydrothorax; hydroperitoneum; lungs and heart were congested, blackish discolouration of liver; fully distended gall bladder; congested along with thickened intestinal mucosa; intestinal lumen contained white nematode as well as long creamy cestodes identified as Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum, respectively. Histopathologically, intestine revealed presence of severe fibrino-necrotic enteritis characterized by infiltration of mono nuclear cells, degeneration and desquamation of microvilli, congested blood vessels and haemorrhages. Spleen revealed acute splenitis with presence of severe hemorrhages along with neutrophilic infiltration. Liver revealed areas of necrotic hepatitis. The case was confirmed as parasitic fibino-necrotic enteritis due to mixed infection by Toxocara canis and Dipylidium caninum.&nbsp;</div>

<div>A Case of Parasitic Fibrino-necrotic Enteritis in A Rottweiler Dog</div>

<div>Background: Natural populations of ungulates are threatened by pathogens and parasites with gastrointestinal parasites being the most widespread. Parasitic infestation is one of the major problems in the management and a growing concern for the conservation of threatened wild animal species. The current study was undertaken to evaluate prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Kazinag National Park (KNP) of Kashmir. 
 
Methods: From May 2018 to June 2020, a total of 463 fresh faecal samples of Himalayan goral were collected from Kazinag National Park. The samples were processed by the standard sedimentation and floatation techniques. 
 
Result: Out of 463 faecal samples examined, 236 were found infected with GIT helminthes. In the present study five helminth species were found including, four nematodes [Haemonchus contortus (35.70%), Trichuris ovis (23.40%), Strongyloides spp. (20.80%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (12.30%)] and one cestode [Moneizia expansa (8.00%)]. Based on the severity of infection, 80.6% of goral positive samples were severely infected (epg&gt;1,500), 9.4% heavily infected (epg = 1,100-1,500), 3.3% moderately infected (epg = 800-1,000) and 6.8% mildly infected (epg = 500). Epidemiological prevalence of GIT helminthes in goral was profoundly influenced by different seasons. The maximum helminth infection was observed in summer season and minimum in winter (p = 0.03). Mixed infection was observed in 206 fecal samples with a prevalence of 47.24%.</div>

<div>Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) in Kazinag National Park, Jammu and Kashmir, India</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The present report describes the work conducted on captive wild animals (n =42) &nbsp;between 1 &ndash; 15 years of age, during a period of one year to know the prevalence and chemotherapeutic management of gastrointestinal parasites from the captive facility of &nbsp;Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Wildlife Animal Research Center, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra. Fecal samples of the animals were analyzed by use of classical parasitological techniques including sedimentation and floatation and quantitative Mc Master egg counting technique. Out of the total (n=42) fecal samples screened 17 (40.50%; 95% CI 25.3-54.7%)) samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infection. The prevalence of nematodes was highest (70.58%), followed by cestodes (23.52%) and coccidia (5.80%). No trematode infection was seen in the present study. The eggs/oocysts of seven different types of intestinal parasites viz., strongyle, coccidia, Toxocara spp., Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Diphylidium spp. and Moniezia spp., &nbsp;were observed with an intensity of + to +++ and eggs/oocysts &nbsp;per gram of faeces as 850&plusmn;585.15 in the current study. All the positive cases were administered with albendazole @ 20mg/kg body weight orally in the feed. Fecal samples of all animals were found negative for developmental stages after 15 days of treatment. Out of total 40.47 % (95% CI 25.3-54.7%) infected animals, 58.82 % animals were found infected with single infection while 41.14 % showed mixed infection. The copro-prevalence of single and mixed gastrointestinal parasites without overt clinical signs of disease or mortality as observed in the study is suggestive of subclinical infection.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Parasitological surveillance and successful treatment of gastrointestinal parasites of captive wild animals with albendazole in a zoological collection</div>

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is a major constraint affecting backyard poultry production in rural and tribal farming systems of the tropics. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence, diversity and associated risk factors of GI parasites in backyard poultry systems of Chhattisgarh, India. 
 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg, in selected rural villages of Chhattisgarh during the research period January-June 2025. A total of 400 faecal samples were examined using direct smear, saturated salt flotation, sedimentation, McMaster egg-counting and oocyst sporulation techniques. Chi-square (&chi;2) analyses and Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for inferential evaluation. 
 
Result: The overall prevalence was 64.50% (258/400; 95% CI: 59.69-69.03). Protozoa (34.25%) predominated, followed by nematodes (22.75%) and cestodes (7.50%). Eimeria spp. (28.50%), Ascaridia galli (18.25%) and Heterakis gallinarum (14.50%) were the most prevalent species. Prevalence differed significantly by age (&chi;2&nbsp;= 18.80, df = 2, p&lt;0.001), season (&chi;2&nbsp;= 9.27, df = 2, p=0.010) and management system (&chi;2&nbsp;= 22.71, df = 1, p&lt;0.001), with chicks, monsoon-season birds and scavenging flocks worst affected. GI parasitism is highly prevalent and economically important in backyard poultry of Chhattisgarh; strategic deworming, improved hygiene, biosecurity-aware management and farmer awareness are recommended for sustained control.

Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Backyard Poultry Rearing Systems of Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Raillietina spp. is one of the cestodes class worms that attacks poultry. The Raillietina species that commonly attack poultry are Raillietina echinobothrida and R. tetragona. In general, R. echinobothrida and R. tetragona are usually identified using a light microscope, but in reality these two species are still difficult to differentiate using a light microscope because the size difference is too small and they have many differences. This study compared the ultrastructural morphology of R. echinobothrida and R. tetragona, which caused minor intestinal infections in native Gallus domesticus chickens that were purchased from different traditional markets in Sidoarjo Regency. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: A total 57 small intestines from native chickens (Gallus domesticus) that were sold at Tulangan, Larangan, Wonoayu, Krian and Suko Markets served as the samples for this study. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the samples were inspected both macroscopic and microscopically. 
&nbsp; 
Result: With a prevalence of 57.89%, the results indicated that R. echinobothrida has a yellowish string-like body that is 16-23 cm long. It also has a round sucker and scolex that are both 0.07 x 0.08-0.08 x 0.09 mm in size, a rostellum that is armed with hooks that is 0.06 x 0.07-0.08 x 0.1 mm in size and an unsegmented, thick and short neck. The yellowish string-like body of R. tetragona, on the other hand, measures 20-28 cm in length. It has an oval scolex (0.16-0.2 mm in diameter), an oval sucker (0.04 x 0.09-0.05 x 0.01 mm in size), a rostellum armed with hooks that measures 0.03 x 0.05-0.04 x 0.06 mm and an unsegmented, thin, and long neck. Both R. echinobothrida and R. tetragona have a velvety, silky texture on their surface bodies. 
&nbsp;

Comparing the Ultrastructural Morphology of Raillietina tetragona and Raillietina echinobothrida in Local Hens at Sidoarjo Regency with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

<div>Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a cyclophyllid cestode parasite that lives as an adult in the intestine of canids and is the most common cause of hydatidosis in ruminants (intermediate hosts). It also offers a public health risk because of the possibility of human infection. The incorrect disposal of dead animals, access of farm dogs to the internal organs of sheep and grazing in areas with wayward dogs are the most common production methods that might increase the risk of sheep being exposed to hydatidosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural spread of E. granulosus infection in wayward dogs, as well as the sterility and fertility rates of hydatid cysts in herbivores of Al-Kharj (Saudi Arabia). 
 
Methods: Fecal samples from 150 dogs were collected from several locations in Al-Kharj (Saudi Arabia) where livestock rearing takes place and the existence of wayward and semi-feral canines from August 2021 to February 2022. Parasitic eggs were recovered from fecal samples using the flotation method, followed by centrifugation at 1200 &times; g. Examination of slaughtered animals was done by comprehensive visual examination, palpation and incision of the internal organs, including lungs, liver, muscles, kidneys and heart. All hydatid cysts detected in the organs were collected for cyst count, cyst fertility testing and protoscolices viability testing. Examination of cysts and viability of protoscolices. A 0.1% aqueous solution of eosin stain was used to examine the survival of protoscolices. According to Smyth and Barret (1980), deceased protoscolices became stained (purplish-red color) five minutes after exposure to staining, whereas living protoscolices remained colorless (recorded as alive) under the microscope. 
 
Result: 1698 sheep, 450 goats and 240 camels (slaughtered in Al-Kharj Abattoir) were examined as to their livers, lungs, muscles, kidneys and hearts were checked for hydatidosis. In a study of 150 dogs, 21 (14%) were shown to be naturally infected with E. granulosus eggs. Hydatid cysts were also identified in 156 (9.18%) sheep, 36 (7.5%) goats and 24 (10%) camels. In comparison to other tissues, the liver and lungs had the highest percentage of infestation, with values of 50.6% and 25.6% in sheep, 58.3% and 16.6% in goats and 66.6% and 16% in camels, respectively. The older age groups had higher infection rates than the younger ones. The highest percentage was seen in sheep over the age of 12 months (10.4%) and camels over the age of 6 years (12%). Hydatidosis is a serious economic and zoonotic problem. Therefore, we should take preventative measures in Al-Kharj city to avoid environmental pollution and infection of both humans and animals.</div>