Veterinary Medicine and Science· 2026Q1
Molecular Epidemiology and Spatial Distribution of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in Avian Paratenic Hosts: A One Health Perspective From Northeastern Iran
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Toxocara worm DNA was found in 35% of 100 birds (sparrows, pigeons, chickens) in northeastern Iran, with sparrows showing the highest infection rate (23.3%) and higher detection in eye and liver tissues, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk, particularly from undercooked poultry giblets.
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Key points
- Toxocara spp. DNA was detected in 35% of 100 birds (sparrows, pigeons, chickens) in northeastern Iran.
- Sparrows had the highest infection rate (23.3%), with higher positivity in eye and liver tissues.
- Toxocara canis DNA was the most prevalent species detected (68.6%), followed by mixed infections and T. cati.
- Spatial analysis indicated localized hotspots but a non-significant overall random spatial pattern for Toxocara.
- The study suggests birds, especially sparrows, act as paratenic hosts, posing a potential zoonotic risk via undercooked poultry giblets.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are zoonotic nematodes, and birds may contribute to their transmission as paratenic hosts. Data on their molecular occurrence in avian hosts remain limited in northeastern Iran. Objective This study investigated the molecular detection and spatial distribution of T. canis and T. cati in synanthropic and domestic birds from Razavi Khorasan Province. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 300 tissue samples (brain, eye and liver) were collected from 100 birds: sparrows ( n = 60), pigeons ( n = 21) and chickens ( n = 19). Detection and species identification were performed using multiplex nested PCR targeting ITS regions. Spatial patterns were assessed using kernel density estimation and Global Moran's I in ArcGIS 10.8. Associated factors were analysed by multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression. Results Toxocara spp. DNA was detected in 51/300 tissues (17.0%) and 35/100 birds (35.0%). Tissue‐level positivity was highest in sparrows (23.3%), followed by chickens (8.8%) and pigeons (6.3%). In sparrows, detection differed among tissues ( p = 0.026), with higher positivity in eye and liver. T. canis predominated (68.6%), followed by mixed infections (17.7%) and T. cati (13.7%). Bird species and tissue type were independently associated with PCR positivity. Kernel Density Estimation suggested localised southern and southeastern hotspots, whereas Global Moran's I showed a non‐significant random spatial pattern. Conclusions Synanthropic and domestic birds, particularly sparrows, may act as paratenic hosts for Toxocara spp. in northeastern Iran. Higher detection in eye and liver tissues suggests zoonotic relevance, especially through undercooked poultry giblets; however, DNA detection does not confirm larval viability.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Small AnimalsVeterinary