Echinococcosis is a global zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of Echinococcus species. In sub-Saharan Africa, cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is prevalent, but comprehensive data are limited. This study investigates the role of lions (Panthera leo) as potential hosts for Echinococcus species, particularly E. equinus and E. felidis, in Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Four lion intestinal samples were macroscopically examined. High burdens of Echinococcus spp. worms were observed in 2 lions, a low-level infestation was detected in 1 lion and no parasites were identified in the fourth lion due to advanced decomposition of the sample. PCR analysis identified E. equinus in 2 samples and E. felidis in 1. Morphological and scanning electron microscopy studies provided detailed descriptions of the adult form, confirming the presence of these parasites. The findings underscore the importance of lions in the sylvatic cycle of echinococcosis and suggest potential implications for the epidemiology of the disease in African wildlife ecosystems. This study contributes to the understanding of the transmission dynamics of Echinococcus species in southern Africa.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on histidine-rich protein (HRP) are widely used for malaria diagnosis. However, false-negative results from these RDTs, due to deletions in the Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) Pfhrp2/3 genes, are an obstacle to malaria control. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of deletions in the Pfhrp2/3 genes in P. falciparum isolates from Mossendjo. Blood samples were collected from patients with signs of uncomplicated malaria at the Integrated Health Center and the Base Hospital in Mossendjo, from January to December 2022. P. falciparum positive samples were selected based on msp1/2 genotyping. These positive samples were used for the screening of Pfhrp2/3 deletions by nested PCR, and negative samples were subsequently run by real-time PCR to confirm deletions in the Pfhrp2/3 genes. Of the 660 P. falciparum positive samples, 600 (90.9%) were positive for Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes, and 60 (9.1%) remained negative by nested PCR. Following real-time PCR, deletions in the Pfhrp3 gene were confirmed in 12 negative samples. No deletions were observed in the Pfhrp2 gene. Among the 12 Pfhrp3 deleted samples, 83.3% came from adults and 16.7% from children, and 66.7% from women compared to 33.3% from men. This study revealed a low prevalence of deletions in the Pfhrp3 gene and no deletions in the Pfhrp2 gene. Thus, HRP2-based RDTs can still be used reliably in Mossendjo. However, evaluation of their performance and regular monitoring of these genes remain necessary, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Schistosoma mansoni is a human-infecting blood fluke responsible for schistosomiasis, the world’s most significant waterborne parasitic disease and a leading cause of morbidity in marginalized communities. Despite mass drug administration campaigns using praziquantel, reinfection rates remain high and long-term control is hampered by limited chemotherapeutic options. The urgent need for an effective vaccine has driven focused research on S. mansoni. This review synthesizes past and present advances in S. mansoni vaccine development, highlighting key biological insights, challenges and emerging vaccine strategies. We discuss the parasite’s complex lifecycle, contemporary vaccine candidates and outline future directions for vaccine research that may ultimately contribute to global schistosomiasis control.

Entamoeba bovis is a common intestinal amoeba of ruminants, yet molecularly confirmed data from Europe remain limited. We investigated the occurrence, morphology and genetic variability of E. bovis in Italian domestic and wild ruminants and developed a rapid species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Faecal samples from calves (n = 45), goats (n = 26), sheep (n = 11) and Italian red deer Cervus elaphus italicus (n = 25) were examined by sediment microscopy and iodine staining. Amoebic stages were detected in 57% of bovine, 61.5% of caprine, 100% of ovine and 56% of red deer samples. Across hosts, cysts were consistently uninucleate and displayed typical E. bovis morphology, including frequent chromatoid bodies and an iodophilic glycogen mass. Representative positives were sequenced at the 18S rRNA locus (∼800 bp), confirming E. bovis (98.6–99.8% identity; 100% query coverage). Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis placed all Italian isolates within the E. bovis clade and indicated a shared lineage across domestic ruminants and red deer, with no segregation by host or ecological setting. A newly designed E. bovis-specific PCR (375 bp) consistently yielded a single amplicon in all sequenced positives, supporting its use for rapid screening without sequencing.

The genus Kalicephalus Molin, 1861 comprises hookworms parasitizing the gastrointestinal tract of reptiles, particularly snakes, and currently includes 34 recognized species worldwide. Despite their diversity, the taxonomy of the genus remains poorly resolved because most species have been described primarily from morphology and molecular data remain limited. During a helminthological survey of monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) from central Thailand, large hookworms were recovered from the oesophagus that corresponded morphologically to the group traditionally assigned to Occipitodontus but differed from previously described species. Using an integrative taxonomic approach combining light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, morphometric analyses and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, Kalicephalus colossus sp. nov. is described herein. The new species is distinguished by its exceptionally large body size, posteriorly projecting buccal capsule, equal alate spicules, lobate copulatory bursa and oesophageal localization. Multivariate analyses revealed clear sexual dimorphism without evidence of discrete morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses recovered K. colossus sp. nov. as a distinct lineage within Kalicephalus, with genetic divergences of 1.1–1.4% for 18S rRNA and 12–13% for COI relative to congeners. The parasite was detected in 18% of examined hosts, with infection intensities ranging from 1 to 48 individuals per cobra, and was recorded only from suburban localities surrounding Bangkok. No obvious gross pathological lesions were observed during necropsy. The discovery of K. colossus sp. nov. expands current knowledge of reptile hookworm diversity in Southeast Asia and highlights the importance of integrative taxonomy for resolving parasite biodiversity.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally endemic zoonosis of major public health and economic importance. Although numerous studies have investigated CE in Maasailand, Kenya, up-to-date epidemiological and molecular data remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence and genetic identity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in livestock from Maasailand, Kenya, to evaluate ongoing transmission dynamics. A total of 1891 slaughtered livestock, comprising 667 cattle, 592 sheep and 632 goats, were examined for CE between September 2023 and April 2024. Cysts were assessed for fertility, and parasite genotypes were identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and sequencing of the NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene. The overall CE prevalence was 28.7%, with higher rates in cattle (37.2%) and sheep (31.9%) than in goats (16.8%). CE prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males (P < 0.001). Cysts were predominantly located in the lungs (52.9%) and liver (45.6%). Sheep showed the highest cyst fertility (11.6%), followed by goats (7.6%) and cattle (6.7%). Molecular analysis identified E. granulosus sensu stricto as the predominant species (98.9%), with E. ortleppi (0.9%) and E. canadensis (G6/7) (0.1%) detected at low frequencies. Across all livestock species, CE prevalence in Maasailand was markedly higher than previously reported in the region and other endemic areas of Kenya, indicating sustained transmission. These findings highlight the need to identify drivers of transmission to guide strengthened and scaled-up prevention and control measures in this endemic region.

Babesiosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia species, primarily transmitted via tick bites, with blood transfusion, vertical transmission and organ transplantation serving as secondary routes. After infection, Babesia parasites invade and multiply within red blood cells of humans and other vertebrates. Human-pathogenic species include B. microti, B. venatorum, B. divergens, B. crassa-like organisms, B. microti-like species and the novel B. XXB/Hangzhou. As of November 2025, a total of 328 confirmed and asymptomatic cases have been reported across 16 provinces in China, including Heilongjiang, Henan, Yunnan and Guangxi. B. microti is the predominant species in China, frequently identified in regions such as Zhejiang, Yunnan and Guangxi, while B. venatorum and B. crassa-like agents are endemic in Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, with B. divergens reported sporadically in other regions. Key vectors include hard ticks in the genus Ixodes, such as I. persulcatus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, with small rodents serving as important reservoir hosts. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic or self-limiting fever to severe hemolytic anaemia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals who are at higher risk of severe outcomes. Diagnostic methods consist of blood smear microscopy, serological testing, molecular assays and emerging metagenomic sequencing. The first-line treatment is a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin, with quinine plus clindamycin serving as an alternative regimen. Given the emergence of drug resistance and the ongoing improvement of surveillance systems, babesiosis has become a significant emerging infectious disease threat in China.

The taxonomy of wide distributed parasites across continents has rarely been evaluated using molecular data, and it remains unclear whether their apparent broad distributions reflect true cosmopolitan and monophyletic lineages. There is also the expectation that long-term parasite–host associations shape the evolution of parasitic lineages and should therefore be reflected in parasite taxonomy. Laelaps Koch, 1836 (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) is an example of a widespread genus, reported from multiple continents, parasitizing Cricetidae and Muridae rodents. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Laelaps is monophyletic and truly broadly distributed across continents. To this end, we generated new nuclear (18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S) and mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I) sequences from 8 species of Laelaps, and 4 related laelapid mite species of the genera Androlaelaps Berlese, 1903, Gigantolaelaps Fonseca, 1939 and Mysolaelaps Fonseca, 1936 associated with cricetid rodents from Argentina. Those sequences were analysed together with sequences from laelapids parasitizing native South American cricetids and from South Africa available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Laelaps is polyphyletic. Within Cricetidae, tribal host association appears to drive phylogenetic structure, with cricetid-associated Laelaps lineages recovered as more closely related to Gigantolaelaps and Mysolaelaps than to each other. Murid-associated Laelaps from South Africa were recovered as lineages separated from cricetid-associated Laelaps, suggesting that the deep divergence between Cricetidae and Muridae may also shape laelapid phylogeny, a pattern that requires broader sampling to be conclusively evaluated. These results challenge the monophyly and broad distributional status of Laelaps and highlight the need for integrative taxonomic revision of this genus.

One quarter of humans are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) worldwide. African green monkey (AGM, Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) interacts directly or indirectly with humans frequently on the island of St Kitts. They serve as a reservoir for zoonotic pathogens of significant public health concerns. We have previously demonstrated that AGMs are infected with zoonotic parasites Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis diminuta. Nevertheless, research on their STHs is limited. In this study, faeces were opportunistically collected from wild AGMs near residential areas between May 2020 and March 2022. They were examined for zoonotic STHs using direct smears (2 per sample) and molecular detection (PCR and DNA sequencing). The positive detection rates for whipworm were 60.0%, 60.0% for individual smears and 77.8% when both smears were combined. For hookworm, the rates were 13.3%, 6.7%, and 15.6%, respectively. Agreement between direct smear and molecular detection was 44.4% for whipworm and 88.9% for hookworm. The study further compared the sensitivity of direct smear, flotation and molecular detection, demonstrating that prolonged deep freezing (−80 °C) minimally alters egg morphology but markedly impairs egg flotation, whereas PCR and direct smear remain informative for frozen faecal samples. DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers identified the hookworm as Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, the human hookworms, for the first time genetically in AGMs. These findings underscore the need to include AGMs as an integral component of One Health strategies aiming at eliminating STH morbidity in pre-school and school-age children on St Kitts and other Caribbean islands.

Gastrointestinal protist (GIP) infections, mainly caused by Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., are major contributors to childhood morbidity in resource-limited settings, yet their epidemiology in Madagascar remains poorly documented. We conducted a microscopy-based prospective cross-sectional study in 3 deprived areas of southern Madagascar to investigate pathogenic and commensal protists among children and adolescents (n = 318), young women (n = 57) and their children (n = 61). Epidemiological questionnaires were collected, and selected species were characterized using PCR and Sanger sequencing. Risk factors were analysed using binary logistic regression. A total of 436 stool samples and 221 questionnaires were analysed. G. duodenalis was the most prevalent pathogenic species (81.9%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (1.2%). Balantioides coli was not detected. Potentially pathogenic species included Blastocystis sp. (70.4%) and Dientamoeba fragilis (0.2%). The most frequent commensals were Entamoeba coli (37.4%), Endolimax nana (15.4%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (12.6%). Assemblages A, B and A + B were identified for G. duodenalis, and C. hominis, C. felis and C. parvum for Cryptosporidium spp.; Blastocystis subtypes ST1–ST3 were detected. G. duodenalis infection was associated with abdominal pain and loss of appetite, but not diarrhoea. Geographical origin predicted G. duodenalis infection and Blastocystis sp. and E. coli colonization. GIP infections by G. duodenalis and, to a lesser extent, by Cryptosporidium spp., are a public health concern in resource-limited settings in Madagascar. Our results are the most important contribution made in the country in terms of molecular epidemiology of intestinal protist.

The study aimed to characterize the species composition and compare helminth populations and communities in samples of helminths collected from marsh frogs in 3 localities in the city of Kyiv. Twenty helminth species were recorded in total, of which 8 were found in all 3 localities: the nematodes Cosmocerca ornata and Icosiella neglecta, and the trematodes Diplodiscus subclavatus, Haematoloechus asper, Opisthioglyphe ranae, Pleurogenes claviger, Pleurogenoides medians and Prosotocus confusus. In helminth infracommunities, species richness and abundance were the highest in frogs from Olzhyn Island (median 7 and 98, respectively). Helminth species richness was the lowest in the infracommunities from Lake Tiahle (median 4), while the abundance was the lowest in the infracommunities from Lake Telbin (median 51.5). From 3 to 4 species predominated in separate helminth component communities based on their high prevalence and abundance in the studied samples: D. subclavatus, I. neglecta, P. medians and P. confusus in Lake Telbin; Codonocephalus urniger, I. neglecta, O. ranae and P. confusus in Lake Tiahle; C. urniger, O. ranae and Tylodelphys excavata in Olzhyn Island. According to our observations, intense urbanization of Lake Telbin affects rather the abundance than the species richness in helminth communities of the marsh frog. On the other hand, the relatively low abundance of helminths in the infrapopulations from Lake Telbin resulted in comparatively higher diversity indices for the helminth component community in this locality. Moderate urbanization, on the contrary, results in the strong predominance of some helminth species and low values of the diversity indices.

Hypersaline ecosystems host simplified yet highly structured food webs, in which Artemia plays a central ecological role, including serving as an intermediate host for several avian cestodes. Flamingolepis liguloides is among the most widespread parasites associated with Artemia worldwide; however, its presence in Italy has not been confirmed since early reports from Sardinia in the 1990s. Here, we provide the first documented evidence of F. liguloides infecting parthenogenetic Artemia in the hypersaline lagoon of Salina dei Monaci (Apulia, Italy). Host and parasite identities were confirmed through an integrative approach combining morphological analyses with molecular data, including newly generated 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, the latter providing novel molecular information for the parasite. Among the 254 brine shrimp examined, prevalence reached 93.3%, with a mean abundance of 7.3 ± 10.1 cysticercoids and up to 73 larvae in a single host. Parasite abundance was positively correlated with host body size, consistent with cumulative exposure and size-dependent feeding capacities. Cysticercoids were distributed within the host body, with the thorax harbouring the highest parasite loads, while cysticercoids became progressively more frequent in other body regions in larger individuals. The high infection levels observed, together with the presence of large flamingo aggregations in the lagoon, indicate a stable and active transmission cycle. This study fills an important geographic gap in the known distribution of F. liguloides and highlights the Salina dei Monaci as a promising natural system for future investigations on host–parasite dynamics in Mediterranean hypersaline environments.

The latitudinal patterns of the phylogenetic, functional and numerical interaction specificity (PIS, FIS and NIS, respectively) of fleas and mammals in their interaction networks, from 4 biogeographic realms, were investigated at the intraspecific, interspecific and community levels to understand whether the spatial variation of interaction specificity followed the predictions of a latitudinal specialization gradient. In fleas, no latitudinal pattern of PIS was detected. Flea FIS varied with latitude in all realms at the intraspecific level and in 2 realms at the interspecific and community levels. Latitudinal trends in NIS were detected in all realms (except Neotropics) at the intraspecific level and in the Old World realms at both higher levels. In hosts, PIS varied with latitude in the Afrotropics and the Nearctic at the intraspecific level and in the Afrotropics at the interspecific and community levels. FIS demonstrated a latitudinal trend in the Nearctic at the intraspecific level and in the Palearctic at the community level. Relationships between latitude and NIS were found in all realms (except Neotropics) at the intraspecific level and in the Old World realms at the interspecific and community levels. The directions of the latitudinal pattern of the same specificity facet could be positive or negative. They differed between fleas and hosts, realms and organizational levels. The occurrence and direction of the latitudinal specialization gradient are explained by the combined actions of evolutionary, historical and ecological factors. Pooling data from regions with different biogeographical histories and landscape structures, for a macroecological analysis, may produce spurious results.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease of high public health and economic importance. The disease is caused by various tapeworm species belonging to the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species complex. Among these, E. granulosus sensu stricto (genotypes G1 and G3) is the most common cause of human CE worldwide. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of G1 and G3 isolates from Armenia and Türkiye, where CE has long been recognized as a significant public health concern. A large portion of the mitochondrial genome (11 675 bp) was sequenced for 85 parasite samples: 47 from Türkiye and 38 from Armenia. Samples originated from humans, sheep and cattle. For a global phylogenetic analysis, sequences from previous studies were included, yielding 280 G1 sequences and 55 G3 sequences from various host species and countries worldwide. The main results of this work revealed (i) high genetic diversity of G1 in Armenia and Türkiye; (ii) high genetic diversity of G3 in Armenia, whereas only a few representatives of G3 were detected in Türkiye; (iii) the subdivision of isolates of G1 and G3 from Armenia and Türkiye into several haplogroups; (iv) the dispersion of G1 and G3 haplotypes from Armenia and Türkiye across different haplogroups in global phylogenetic networks; and (v) the diffusion routes of G3 isolates from Türkiye to Armenia, from Iran to Armenia and from Iran to Greece. These findings highlight the importance of mitogenome analysis for monitoring the spread of CE among animals and humans.

Inverse surveillance seeks to identify potential pathogens before diseases emerge in populations. In this study, we conducted a molecular survey of eukaryotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) within ectoparasite species to anticipate disease outbreaks in animals and humans. We analysed fleas, lice, mites, ticks and triatomines collected from rodents, birds, carnivores and from the environment across Chile. After extracting genomic DNA, we employed an 18S rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing strategy using Oxford Nanopore Technologies to characterize eukaryotic VBPs. Our findings revealed a narrow taxonomic range of microorganisms, with Hepatozoon as a well-supported taxon. A single sequence matching the genus Babesia was additionally confirmed via BLAST. The bioinformatic pipeline allowed the recovery of high-quality Hepatozoon consensus sequences, enabling robust phylogenetic and population genetic analyses and providing the first molecular record of Hepatozoon in triatomines and the first genetic detection of this parasite genus in trombiculid and macronyssid mites in the Americas. Three different Hepatozoon lineages were detected, which clustered with others found in rodents and reptiles. Analyses of molecular variance indicate that host identity may play a more influential role than geographic region in shaping the genetic differentiation of Hepatozoon lineages in Chile. Our study provides new data on ectoparasite–host–parasite associations, demonstrating the utility of nanopore metabarcoding data for exploring VBPs’ diversity, thereby expanding the known arthropod associations of the Hepatozoon genus and suggesting the role of these ectoparasites as its potential vectors. As some Hepatozoon species can cause animal disease, these findings constitute an early warning for veterinarians.

Malaria transmission is associated with climatic variability and vector control interventions, and understanding their long-term and lagged associations is critical in regions approaching elimination. This 23-year retrospective study (2001–2023) examined associations between climatic factors and malaria incidence in eight base counties of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeast Iran. Negative binomial and zero-inflated Poisson regression models were applied to account for overdispersion and excess zeros, incorporating 1–3 month lagged exposures. Seasonal patterns were assessed using linear mixed-effects models, and the impact of indoor residual spraying (IRS) population coverage (2013–2023) was evaluated using a negative binomial generalized linear model. Malaria incidence declined during the elimination phase but resurged in 2022–2023. Across counties analysed with negative binomial models, a 1 °C increase in mean temperature (1–3 month lag) was associated with a ∼ 16% increase in incidence (IRR = 1.16), highlighting a consistent positive effect. Relative humidity showed heterogeneous but generally positive associations, whereas precipitation effects were weak and inconsistent. Incidence was higher in spring (4.6-fold), summer (7.9-fold) and autumn (6.8-fold) compared with winter. Increased IRS population coverage was positively associated with malaria incidence (IRR = 4.15 per 10% increase; 95% CI: 2.06–8.34), likely reflecting reactive spraying in response to higher transmission. Malaria transmission in southeast Iran is shaped by temperature-driven climatic variability and seasonal dynamics. Programmatic vector control responds to changes in transmission, emphasizing the need for integrated, climate-informed planning. Further research incorporating lagged predictive modelling and human mobility data is warranted to enhance elimination strategies.

Field sampling was conducted in the Chiffa tunnel area of the El Hamdania sector within Chrea National Park (CNP), Algeria. A total of 20 bats were captured and examined for ectoparasite infestations. Additionally, coprological analysis of guano was performed to investigate the possible presence of traces of internal parasites, subject to the methodological limitations described herein. The captured bats belonged to 2 distinct families. The family Rhinolophidae included Rhinolophus blasii Peters, 1866, represented by 18 individuals, and the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber, 1774), represented by a single individual. The family Vespertilionidae was represented by Nyctalus leisleri (Kühl, 1817), also by a single individual; this constitutes the first documented record of this species in CNP. Examination of ectoparasites from 19 rhinolophid bats identified 3 dipteran ectoparasite species. Brachytarsina (Brachytarsina) flavipennis Macquart, 1851 (Streblidae) was the most prevalent (66.7%), followed by Phthiridium biarticulatum Hermann, 1804 and Nycteribia schmidlii Schiner, 1853 (Nycteribiidae), each at 16.7%. The study documents, for the first time in Algeria, N. schmidlii parasitizing R. blasii. Coprological analysis of guano revealed the presence of structures belonging to 3 phyla; these data are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution. The findings contribute to knowledge of chiropteran ectoparasite–host associations in North Africa and highlight CNP as a significant locality for bat biodiversity.

The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of parasitic diseases impacting the nervous systems of small companion animals. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are well-documented pathogens linked to neurological disorders; however, a variety of other parasitic agents, ranging from unicellular protozoa to complex helminths, also exhibit a tropism for the nervous system in these animals. Parasites can exert a direct influence on the nervous system through mechanisms that reflect their inherent neurotropism (e.g., Encephalitozoon cunicoli and Gurltia paralysans). Additionally, they may indirectly compromise neurological function through several distinct mechanisms: (i) ectopic dislocation of larvae, eggs or adult parasites/fungi (e.g., Baylisascaris procyonis, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Dirofilaria immitis, Spirocerca lupi, Cryptococcus spp., Cuterebra spp.); (ii) immune-mediated reactions (e.g., Leishmania infantum); (iii) coagulation disorders (e.g., Angiostrongylus vasorum); (iv) electrolyte imbalances (e.g., Toxocara canis); and (v) effects of neurotoxins (e.g., Ixodes holocyclus bite). Furthermore, neurological complications have been documented following antiparasitic interventions, ranging from direct drug toxicity in D. immitis and Babesia spp. infections to the potential post-treatment neuroinflammatory responses in Angiostrongylus cantonensis cases. Collectively, these mechanisms can lead to substantial neurological dysfunction as a consequence of both primary parasitic invasion and secondary pathological processes within nervous tissues. In addition, parasitic diseases injuring the nervous system usually cause neurological sequelae that could reduce life expectancy and quality of life, leading owners to elect euthanasia of their pets. In conclusion, parasitic diseases affecting the nervous system may represent a relevant health concern in companion animals and warrant further attention.