Assessing the effectiveness of fenbendazole supramolecular complexes against schistosomiasis, monieziosis and parabronemosis in sheep.

Helminth infections pose a significant economic threat to livestock production, causing productivity declines and, in severe cases, mortality. Conventional anthelmintics, exemplified by fenbendazole, face challenges related to low solubility and the necessity for high doses. This study explores the potential of supramolecular complexes, created through mechanochemical modifications, to address these limitations. The study focuses on two key anthelmintics, praziquantel (PZQ) and fenbendazole (FBZ), employing mechanochemical techniques to enhance their solubility and efficacy. Solid dispersions (SD) of PZQ with polymers and dioctyl sulfosuccine sodium (DSS) and fenbendazole with licorice extract (ES) and DSS were prepared. The helminthicidal activity of these complexes was assessed through helminthological dissections of sheep infected with Schistosoma turkestanicum, moniesiasis, and parabronemosis. In the assessment of supramolecular complex of FBZ (SMCF) at doses ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/kg for the active substance (AS), optimal efficacy was observed with the fenbendazole formulation containing arabinogalactan and polyvinylpyrrolidone at a 3.0 mg/kg dosage. At this concentration, the formulation demonstrated a remarkable 100% efficacy in treating spontaneous monieziosis in sheep, caused by Moniezia expansa (Rudolphi, 1810) and M. benedenii (Moniez, 1879). Furthermore, the SMCF, administered at doses of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg/kg, exhibited efficacy rates of 42.8%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively, against the causative agent of parabronemosis (Parabronema skrjabini Rassowska, 1924). Mechanochemical modifications, yielding supramolecular complexes of PZQ and FBZ, present a breakthrough in anthelmintic development. These complexes address solubility issues and significantly reduce required doses, offering a practical solution for combating helminth infections in livestock. The study underscores the potential of supramolecular formulations for revolutionizing helminthiasis management, thereby enhancing the overall health and productivity of livestock.

Updates on the distribution and host spectrum of Dirofilaria repens in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Among the zoonotic mosquito-borne nematodes, Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are highly significant from a public health perspective. While D. immitis is also of major veterinary concern, D. repens is regarded as less pathogenic for carnivores, but is the main causative agent of human dirofilariosis throughout the Old World. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, recent data refer exclusively to D. immitis infection in domestic and wild carnivores, while the current prevalence and distribution of D. repens remain unknown. Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 559 domestic and wild carnivore carcasses were collected and examined by necropsy. All subcutaneous nematodes were collected and identified morphologically. The overall prevalence of D. repens infection was of 11.03% in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, and 9.29% in wildlife hosts: golden jackals, Canis aureus (11.76%), wolves, Canis lupus (9.09%), red foxes, Vulpes vulpes (9.23%), and jungle cats, Felis chaus (7.14%). Additionally, a human case of subcutaneous D. repens infection was also documented. The present study represents the first recent assessment of the occurrence of the zoonotic filarioid D. repens in the Republic of Uzbekistan. It indicates a wide distribution in domestic dogs and four species of wildlife hosts throughout the country, raising awareness on the public health risks associated with this parasite.

A Survey of Helminths of Dogs in Rural and Urban Areas of Uzbekistan and the Zoonotic Risk to Human Population.

Dogs are very popular pets that can be infected with a wide diversity of endo- and ectoparasites, some of which have zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity and prevalence of helminths in rural and urban dogs in Tashkent, Samarkand and Karakalpakstan regions of Uzbekistan. A total of 399 dogs from rural and urban areas were examined by necropsy between November 2016 and March 2022. All helminth species were morphologically identified. A total of 31 species belonging to the classes Trematoda (3), Cestoda (9), Nematoda (18) and Acanthocephala (1) were identified in 378 dogs (94.7%). Twenty-one species are indicated for the helminth fauna of urban dogs and 31 species for rural dog populations. From the 31 species of helminths identified 18 species are zoonotic and four of them (Echinicoccus granulosus, Dipylidium cani-num, Toxocara canis, Dirofilaria repens) have a significant epidemiological importance. The study showed that the prevalence and diversity of helminths in dogs in rural areas of Uzbekistan is higher than in urban dogs.