Avian Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon (Apicomplexa) are common parasites of birds that are highly prevalent around the globe. Despite their broad impacts on avian hosts, remarkably little is known about their transmission ecology, including the identity of competent vector species. Both Plasmodium and Haemoproteus are known to detrimentally impact mosquito survival but have generally been neglected in the consideration of mosquito ecology in the UK. Here, I sampled mosquitoes across 4 sites in Lincolnshire, east England, across 2 summers (April – July inclusive). 1026 mosquitoes were caught across 2 years, comprising 12 species, identified morphologically and confirmed genetically. Nine species (21 individuals; 5·8%; n = 363) had haemoparasite DNA in their salivary glands, with 2 lineages of Plasmodium, 3 of Haemoproteus and 1 of Leucocytozoon returning high-quality sequence. Ochlerotatus detritus is reported for the first time as a potential vector of Plasmodium vaughani (SYAT05), and Ochlerotatus annulipes and Anopheles messeae are reported for the first time as potential vectors of avian Plasmodium sp. (lineage LK06). Avian haemosporidians are diverse and widespread in UK birds and mosquitoes, and should be more widely considered in mosquito ecology in order to understand their complex transmission dynamics.

Parasite-induced behavioural modification is described for many taxa, with parasites able to affect the survival, reproduction and predator–prey dynamics of the hosts. A notable example is Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic intracellular protozoan with a global distribution and a marked tropism for the brain, where it forms tissue cysts. Latent toxoplasmosis has been associated with behavioural alterations across multiple host species, including reduced predator avoidance and increased risk-taking behaviours. The anatomical distribution of the parasite within the brain is poorly studied in naturally infected wild carnivores. The aim of this study was to investigate if T. gondii elements or associated lesions are present in brain regions involved in behavioural processes, and whether their distribution suggests a region-specific tropism or a stochastic colonization pattern. Red fox brains from Italy (n = 25) and Australia (n = 75) were examined for the presence of T. gondii and associated lesions. Serological analyses revealed parasite prevalences of 52% in Italy and 37.3% in Australia. Histopathological examination identified focal to multifocal necrotizing and non-suppurative inflammatory lesions in 7 seropositive animals. T. gondii was histologically detected in 2 foxes and confirmed by PCR and immunohistochemistry. Lesions were heterogeneously distributed mirroring findings observed in murine models, suggesting a stochastic pattern of brain colonization rather than a region-specific tropism. Brain areas involved were the prefrontal and frontal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus and midbrain; all brain regions associated with behavioural regulation. Presence of lesions in those areas may provide a neuropathological basis for previously reported behavioural abnormalities.

The parasite fauna of Sardina pilchardus from the Black Sea coast of Türkiye was investigated. The parasitological survey was conducted on a total of 136 fish collected monthly from October 2024 to May 2025. A total of 7 parasite species were recovered: 5 digeneans (comprising 3 adult stages and 2 metacercarial stages), 1 larval nematode and 1 coccidian. The identified taxa included the adult digeneans Pronoprymna ventricosa, Lecithaster confusus and Aphanurus stossichii, metacercariae Stephanostomum sp. and Renicola sp., nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum, and coccidian Eimeria sardinae. Prevalence (%) and infection intensity indices were determined for each parasite species. Overall infection prevalence (82.35%), mean intensity (8.28 ± 0.74) and mean abundance (6.82 ± 0.67) were calculated. Infection parameters for each parasite species were determined and statistically compared across fish length groups, seasons, sex and host body condition factor. The results revealed that parasite abundance and intensity varied significantly among fish length groups and seasons, whereas no significant correlations were found with host body condition or fish sex. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to examine co-occurrence patterns among parasite species. A moderate positive correlation was detected between H. aduncum and Stephanostomum sp. (r = 0.494, P < 0.01). In contrast, associations among other parasite species were weak or negligible, indicating largely independent occurrence. Except for H. aduncum, all identified species represent new host records for this species in the Black Sea and Türkiye. Notably, Renicola sp. constitutes the first record of this genus for the parasite fauna of Türkiye.

As schistosomiasis nears elimination in certain endemic areas, targeted risk mapping is crucial for identifying focal transmission areas. Despite long-standing control efforts, including mass drug administration, focal snail control and behavioural interventions, urogenital schistosomiasis persists in the Zanzibar archipelago. Efficient resource allocation requires identifying areas where human–freshwater contact overlaps with suitable snail hosts. Of the 4 Bulinus species potentially acting as vectors (intermediate hosts) for Schistosoma haematobium in Zanzibar, Bulinus globosus is responsible for most of the transmission, whilst Bulinus nasutus, a morphologically cryptic species to B. globosus, plays a minor role in transmission. To facilitate future distribution mapping of these 2 snail vectors, this study developed a rapid and low-cost diagnostic molecular assay to differentiate these snail species. A duplex PCR assay was designed to target the 5.8S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer 2, amplifying 2 different-sized fragments for B. globosus and B. nasutus. Twenty-one primer combinations were tested to determine those with the most consistent profiles. The final assay iteration provided consistent species-specific differentiation of Zanzibar B. globosus and B. nasutus. Closely related species from mainland Tanzania, B. productus and a currently undescribed Bulinus sp., were also tested and produced similar banding patterns to B. nasutus and B. globosus, respectively, indicating that the assay is most suitable for local differentiation of Zanzibar populations where these taxa do not occur sympatrically. The assay allows cheap and rapid differentiation of these hosts, whose allopatric distribution on Zanzibar may dictate the degree of schistosomiasis transmission across these Indian Ocean islands.

Limited data on schistosomal circulating anodic antigen (CAA) cure after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment are available from preschool-aged children (PSAC). As part of the Praziquantel In Preschool-aged children (PIP) study, we quantified CAA before and after treatment. PSAC infected with Schistosoma mansoni were randomized to receive PZQ either as 1 dose of 40 mg kg−1 or 2 doses of 40 mg kg−1 (i.e. 80 mg kg−1) 3 hours apart at baseline, and same dose or placebo 6 months later. CAA levels were measured using the Up-Converting reporter Particle, Lateral Flow CAA assay at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post baseline treatment. Cure rate (CR), as determined by CAA clearance post-treatment, and intensity reduction rate, as determined by the reduction in CAA-levels post-treatment, were calculated at the 3 time points. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to ascertain factors associated with ‘CAA positivity’ at the 3 post-baseline treatment time points. Overall, 228/354 PSAC enrolled had complete CAA data at all time points and were included in the analysis. The median age was 36 months (interquartile range 31–42). CR significantly differed at all time points with the highest CR (42.0%) at 12 months post-treatment in the group that received 80 mg kg−1 at baseline and 80 mg kg−1 at 6 months. There was no significant difference in intensity reduction rates between the 4 groups at the different time points. In conclusion, higher PZQ dosing resulted in improved schistosomal CAA cure in PSAC, and, given its established safety, supports the consideration of increasing the PZQ dose for PSAC.

The common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a keystone megaherbivore endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this ecological importance, the species is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and increasing human–wildlife conflict. An under-recognized threat for human, livestock and wildlife health is the impact of parasitic infections, particularly snail-borne trematodiases. However, the role of intermediate hosts in maintaining and dispersing these wildlife parasites remains poorly understood. This gap is especially concerning in biodiversity hotspots, where conservation efforts may be undermined by invasive freshwater snails altering parasite transmission. To address this, trematode diversity in hippopotamuses and associated freshwater snail communities was investigated in the Greater Kruger region using morphological and molecular approaches. Six snail species were recorded, including the invasive exotic Tarebia granifera. The first trematode infection in this species in Southern Africa is reported here, identifying the non-native intestinal fluke Haplorchis taichui and suggesting a potential co-invasion event. In hippopotamuses, infections with Schistosoma edwardiense, S. hippopotami and Fasciola nyanzae were confirmed. Additionally, three amphistome taxa were isolated from hippopotamus carcasses, including Gigantocotyle gigantocotyle, Nilocotyle praesphynctris and the first South African record of Carmyerius aff. schoutedeni. This study provides a molecularly informed parasitological baseline for a subregion of the Greater Kruger system and highlights the role of invasive hosts in reshaping parasite transmission within protected freshwater ecosystems. The detection of a potentially co-invaded trematode underscores the importance of integrating wildlife, invasive species and disease ecology in understanding emerging risks under global environmental change.

Udonellids are monopisthocotylan flatworms that occupy a unique epibiotic niche, attaching to parasitic copepods while parasitizing the fish host’s epithelial surface. Despite their broad distribution, species diversity within the genus Udonella Johnston, 1835 remains underexplored, particularly in South African marine environments, where new species discoveries are essential for refining its phylogeny. This study presents the integrative description of Udonella umgibeli n. sp., a new epibiotic monopisthocotylan collected from Caligus tetrodontis Barnard, 1948, parasitizing the evileye blaasop, Amblyrhynchote honckenii (Bloch), off the coast of South Africa. Twelve specimens were recovered from 3 copepods infecting a single fish host. Morphological analyses revealed distinct diagnostic features, including body proportions, haptor size, gonad arrangement and caudal gland configuration, separating the new species from all known congeners. Molecular characterization based on partial 18S and 28S rDNA sequences supported species delimitation, with U. umgibeli n. sp. most closely related to U. australis Carvajal & Sepúlveda, 2002. Although 18S rDNA divergence was low, this is consistent with the marker’s highly conserved nature. This study provides the first molecular characterization of an Udonella species from the southwestern Indian Ocean and the first COI mtDNA sequence for the genus, underscoring the importance of integrative taxonomy for resolving species boundaries in morphologically conservative parasites.

We discuss some of the major cerebral parasites responsible for neglected diseases affecting humanity, especially in low-income countries. The World Health Organization states that cerebral malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for over 20% of deaths, especially in paediatric age. In addition to microscopy and molecular techniques, diagnosis can also be made with fundus magnetic resonance imaging and retinal fluorescein angiography, which have recently proven useful for assessing and understanding the clinical status of brain malaria. Currently, the best available treatment is combination therapy with artemisinin derivatives. Experimental drugs that prevent the development of malaria and blood–brain barrier dysfunction will be discussed. Neurocysticercosis is the most common helminthic infection of the central nervous system and a major cause of acquired epilepsy in resource-limited countries. Imported cases are increasing in Europe. Neuroimaging supported by immunodiagnostic tests with purified parasite antigens is the most important diagnostic test. Clinical management includes antiparasitic treatment, antiepileptic drugs, anti-inflammatories and surgery for obstructive hydrocephalus. In cerebral hydatidosis, brain involvement occurs primarily in childhood. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical, laboratory and imaging tests. The opportunistic toxoplasmic encephalitis is due to reactivation and can still be observed in AIDS patients with low access to antiretroviral therapy. Less common cerebral parasitic diseases include schistosomiasis, toxocariasis and amoebiasis, of which primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (Naegleria fowleri) has a very high mortality rate and treatment remains challenging in the absence of new drugs. The modification of existing drugs using nanotechnology offers promising prospects in the development of therapeutic interventions against these parasitic diseases.

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.

This study reports the presence of Kudoa neothunni in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) landed in Portugal. The parasite was detected in fish harvested from the Indian and Pacific Oceans but not in the Atlantic Ocean specimens. Muscle samples collected from specimens were examined macroscopically and microscopically for parasitic infections. While no Kudoa cysts were observed macroscopically, microscopic analysis revealed K. neothunni in 10 fish (5 each from the Pacific and Indian Oceans), with a prevalence of 20.8% and 20%, respectively. Histological examinations confirmed the presence of Kudoa cysts in infected muscle tissue. Morphological analyses showed stellate spores with 6 polar capsules, and significant differences in spore length and polar capsule dimensions were found between isolates from the 2 oceanic regions. However, phylogenetic analysis based on small and large ribosomal subunit sequences indicated that both spores were consistent with K. neothunni and showed high (100%) similarity to previously published GenBank sequences. These results contribute to the current knowledge of K. neothunni occurrence in yellowfin tuna and indicate that infected specimens originating from the Indian and Pacific Oceans enter the European seafood market. Given that some Kudoa infections can induce post-mortem myoliquefaction and adversely affect fillet quality, this should be considered a potential concern.

The genus Oochoristica Lühe, 1898 (Cyclophyllidea: Linstowiidae) primarily parasitizes reptiles. A new species of Oochoristica was collected from the small intestine of Eremias roborowskii (Bedriaga, 1906), from the Turpan Basin of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Following hematoxylin staining, through microscopic examination and detailed morphological description, a comparative morphometric analysis was conducted against closely related congeners, with particular emphasis on key taxonomic indicators, including the reproductive system and cephalic structures. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using a multilocus analysis based on the 18S rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and COI gene regions. Genetic distances were calculated to support species delimitation. The parasite exhibits the following diagnostic features: proglottids significantly wider than long; a scolex lacking a rostellum and hooks; 20–25 spherical testes clustered in the posterior region of the proglottid; genital pores irregularly alternating along the lateral margins; a bilobed, highly branched ovary; and an elliptical vitellarium situated anterior to the ovary. Phylogenetic trees demonstrated that the new species formed a distinct, well-supported clade with lower intraspecific genetic variation than interspecific divergence, thereby supporting its status as an independent species. This new species is the 19th Oochoristica taxon recorded in the Palaearctic realm and the first novel cestode found in Eremias roborowskii. In the present study, an integrative taxonomic approach was employed, which combined comparative morphology with molecular phylogenetics and zoogeographic analyses, thereby elucidating the phylogenetic significance of this species within the genus Oochoristica.

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.

During a parasitological survey of the cockscomb hydrobe, Littoridinops monroensis (Gastropoda: Cochliopidae), sympatric saltmarsh fishes and the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Alligatoridae) within a saltmarsh pond in the Bon Secour Bay (Mobile Bay, Alabama, north-central Gulf of America) and other localities, we collected specimens of Proctocaecum diploporum (Stunkard, 1931) Baugh, 1957 and Proctocaecum coronarium (Cobbold, 1861) Brooks, 1980 (Cryptogonimidae). Fish scales were infected with 2 metacercarial cyst size classes, a small (<200 μm) and a large (>240 μm), suggesting the presence of distinct but closely related sympatric cryptogonimids. Morphological and nucleotide evidence demonstrated that P. diploporum (small cyst) and P. coronarium (large cyst), previously regarded as taxonomic synonyms, share the same first intermediate host (cockscomb hydrobe), are encysted within the scales of the same fish host species, and mature in the intestine of the same definitive host. The taxonomy of these trematodes and that of another similar American alligator trematode, Caimanicola pavida (Brooks and Overstreet, 1977) Brooks, 1980, needed reconsideration. Herein, we describe the first complete and naturally occurring life cycle of a reptile-infecting cryptogonimid, provide the first nucleotide data for a species of Proctocaecum, taxonomically reassess both P. diploporum and P. coronarium, and designate a neotype for P. coronarium. We consider C. pavida a junior subjective synonym of P. coronarium. Phylogenetically related and sympatric trematodes that use the same invertebrate and vertebrate hosts such as these Proctocaecum spp. could be a good model to further explore the mechanisms of speciation and host specificity among trematodes with complex life cycles.

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.