Volume 62, Issue 4

Early reports have demonstrated the occurrence of glyoxylate cycle enzymes in several Leishmania species. However, these results have been underestimated because genes for the two key enzymes of the cycle, isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (MS), are not annotated in Leishmania genomes. We have re-examined this issue in promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis . Enzyme activities were assayed spectrophotometrically in cellular extracts and characterized partially. A 40 kDa band displaying ICL activity was visualized on zymograms of the extracts. By immunoblotting with mouse antibodies against ICL from Bacillus stearothermophilus , a band of approximately 40 kDa was identified, coincident with the relative molecular mass of the activity band revealed on zymograms. Indirect immunofluorescence of intact promastigotes showed that the recognized antigen is distributed as a punctuated pattern, mainly distributed beneath the subpellicular microtubules, over a diffused cytoplasmic stain. These results clearly demonstrate the existence of an apparent ICL activity in L. amazonensis promastigotes, which is associated to a 40 kDa polypeptide and distributed both diffused and as punctuate aggregates in the cytoplasm. The relevance of this activity is discussed.

Angiogenesis is one of the pillars of neoplasia. Lymphangiogenesis in context of granulomas is not yet understood. This study aimed to evaluate the role of praziquantel (PZQ) and artemether (ART) as anti-angiogenic and anti-lymphangiogenic drugs in Schistosoma mansoni induced experimental hepatic model through immunohistochemical and serological studies, this can be used as a potential novel prophylactic approach in hepatic malignancy prevention and possible management. Forty female CD-1 Swiss albino mice were used divided into 4 groups (10 mice each); control healthy, control infected untreated, PZQ-treated and ART-treated. Angiogenic and lymphangiogenic effect of the drugs assessed pathologically through counting of the newly formed capillaries and lymphatics that immunohistochemically expressed by vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), CD34 and D2-40 in liver sections using Cell Image Analyzer and serologically by evaluation of serum level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α). Our results showed significant decrease in serum TNF-α in ART-treated group compared to control infected and PZQ treated groups. ART exhibited significant anti-angiogenic role on granulomas illustrated by remarkable milder intensity and significantly lower expression values of VEGF and CD34 immunostaining compared to PZQ and non-treated groups. Also, ART treated group exhibited negative D2-40 expression in the granulomas in contrast to the other groups, supporting the potent ART‘ anti-lymphangiogenic role that exceeded PZQ. In conclusion, ART showed not only anti-angiogenic effect but also prominent anti-lymphangiogenic effect on hepatic S. mansoni granulomas compared to PZQ. Our study supports the potential use of ART as a potential novel prophylactic approach in hepatic malignancy prevention and possible management.

Parasitization of silkworm, Bombyx mori by invasive larva of dipteran parasitoid Exorista bombycis caused upto 20% revenue loss in sericulture. The parasitism was successful by suppressing host immune system however mechanism of immune suppression induced by E. bombycis is unknown which is unravelled here. The infestation induced cytotoxic symptoms in host hemocytes, such as vacuolated cytoplasm, porous plasma membrane, indented nuclei with condensed chromatin and dilated RER. One of the markers of necrosis is cell permeabilization, which can be measured as released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). LDH level showed significantly ( P <0.01) high release into extracellular medium in vitro after exposure of hemocytes to parasitoid larval tissue protein compared with control revealing membrane permeability and loss of cell integrity. At five minutes after exposure, cytotoxicity was 43% and was increased to 99% at 3h. The cytotoxicity is signalled by increased content of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) causing lipid peroxidation followed by porosity in plasma membrane. A test for lipid peroxidation by measurement of lipid peroxidation breakdown product, malondialdehyde (MDA) revealed significant increase in peroxidation from one to 24 h post-invasion, with maximum at 12 h ( P <0.008). Level of reactive oxygen species measured as H 2 O 2 production increased from 6 to 12 h post-invasion and continued to increase significantly ( P <0.03) reaching maximum at 48 h. These observations reveal that dipteran endoparasitoid invasion induced H 2 O 2 production in the hemocytes causing cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and membrane porosity that suppressed both humoral- and cell-mediated immune responses of hemocytes in B. mori .

Calodium hepaticum is a parasitic nematode found primarily in rodents but known to infect numerous other mammal species, and causing in humans the hepatic calodiasis. Herein, we present the first finding of C. hepaticum in Rattus norvegicus in Poland. In this study, we have used the combined pepsin-HCl digestion and molecular techniques to detect C. hepaticum infection in the liver. The results confirm the usefulness of molecular approaches for investigating the biology and epidemiology of C. hepaticum . Additionally in this study, the parts of the small subunit rRNA (18S rRNA) gene of Aonchotheca annulosa from bank vole, Aonchotheca erinacei and Eucoleus sp. from hedgehog were amplified, yielding the first 18S rRNA gene sequences of these Capillariinae nematodes.

Giardia lamblia is an intestinal protozoa with intermittent and low shedding especially in dogs, and the detection of Giardia is accompanied with problems such as sampling and diagnostic method. The objective of this study was to detection of Giardia in biological materials with low number of parasite using parasitological and molecular methods, and also to determine whether the examined stray dogs harbor known zoonotic genotype of Giardia . For this aim 85 fecal and duodenal samples were studied from which 1 was positive by Trichrome staining of stool, 4 were positive by staining of duodenal samples. The nested PCR analysis with primers derived from 18 SrRNA showed that the specific PCR product could be amplified in 4 stool and 4 duodenal samples. All positive samples in staining analysis were also positive in nested PCR. No amplification could be observed by nested PCR with primers derived from β giardin gene due to the single copy of gene. Interestingly, the extracted DNA from old fixed stained Giardia positive smears could be also amplified with primers derived from 18SrRNA gene. The sequence analysis of nested PCR products showed that they belong to the genotype D. In conclusion, it is to denote that the Trichrome or Giemsa methods were not suitable for the detection of small number of this parasite in stool and the nested PCR with primers derived from 18S rRNA gene can replace the traditional methods successfully. For detection of Giardia in stool, primers derived from β giardin will not be recommended.

The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the distribution of Culicoides biting midges species at farms with different main hosts – cattle and horse. Culicoides spp. are known vectors of arboviruses including African horse sickness virus (AHSV), bluetongue virus (BTV) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV). The latter two have been already reported in Polish ruminants recently, while AHSV remains absent, however the risk of its emergence has been increasing in the recent years. In order to establish the activity of potential AHSV vector at vicinity of horses, an OVI midge trap has been placed at the horse stables in the southeastern Poland. Another trap has been placed 7 km away at the cattle farm. The collections were carried over the midge activity season from April until November 2016. The midge abundances at both sites were comparable with the total numbers of insects trapped of 43,153 and 34,829 at the cattle and horse farm, respectively. Midges belonging to C . obsoletus/scoticus complex were the dominant ones at both locations. The other most abundant species were C . punctatus and C . pulicaris , while the other ten species identified ( C . chiopterus , C . deltus , C . dewulfi , C . fagineus , C . impunctatus , C . newsteadi , C . nubeculosus , C . parroti , C . riethi , C . stigma ) accounted for less than 0.5%. The study has shown that the Orbivirus vectors are present at a high abundance at the Polish horse farm, what may be a helpful tool in the AHS risk assessment in the nonendemic part of Europe.

Schistosoma japonicum and Ascaris suum are considered as the major parasites of human which cause various life threatening diseases such as schistomiasis and ascariasis. The codon usage bias (CUB) is known as the phenomenon of more usage of a specific codon than the other synonymous codons for an amino acid. The factors that influence the codon usage bias are mutation pressure, natural selection, gene expression, gene length, GC content, RNA stability, recombination rates, codon position etc. Here we had used various bioinformatic tools and statistical analyses to understand the compositional features, expression level and codon usage bias in the genes of these two species.After estimating the effective number of codon (ENC) in both the species, codon usage bias was found to be low and gene expression was high. The nucleobase A and T were used most often than C and G. From neutrality plot and correspondence analysis it was found that both natural selection and mutation pressure played an important role in shaping the codon usage pattern of both species. Moreover, natural selection played a major role while mutation pressure played a minor role in shaping the codon usage bias in S. japonicum and A.suum . This is the first report on the codon usage biology in S. japonicum and A.suum , and the factors influencing their codon usage bias. These results are expected to be useful for genetic engineering and evolutionary studies.

Unidentified cestodes and 14 species of nematode and larvae that could not be placed to family level, were collected from the digestive tracts of 27 individuals of Paramelomys lorentzii , four of Mammelomys lanosus and a single M . rattoides from Papua New Guinea and Papua Indonesia. Of these three were new species. Hughjonestrongylus woolleyae sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in having up to 26 ridges in the synlophe and a dissymmetric dorsal ray. Parvinema bafunminensis gen. nov., sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other genera in the family by the combination of features in the synlophe; with a carene, up to 17 ridges, and the pattern of ridge sizes. Parvinema helgeni sp. nov. differs from P . bafunminensis in the length of the spicule and the number of eggs in the uterus. The nematode assemblage of P . lorentzii had similar species richness to, and was also dominated by heligmonellids, as that of Paramelomys rubex , although the two assemblages differed in species composition.

Cryptosporidiosis is a common protozoan infection in humans and domestic animals. It is the culprit for significant neonatal morbidity in cattle as well as weight loss and delayed growth, which leads to large economic losses in the farming industry. Furthermore, bovine Cryptosporidium is also a principal source of human Cryptosporidium infections. The purpose of this study is to determine prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. from feces of dairy cows from the northern parts of Thailand (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Lumpang provinces). A total of 500 fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum and they were examined for potential presence of Cryptosporidium infection by using tests such as DMSO-modified acid fast stain, immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 5% by DMSO-modified acid fast stain, 7% by IFAT and 7.6% by PCR respectively. The main genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. identified were Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium bovis . Therefore, as a result of this study, it can be said that, due to the potential cross-species transmission of Cryptosporidium parvum , infected dairy cows may pose a potential zoonotic risk to humans.

Three recombinant antigens viz . arginine kinase, cathepsin L-1 and TES-26 of Toxocara canis were expressed in Escherichia coli and evaluated for their potential in the detection of T . canis larval infection in human in immunoglobulin G-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (IgG-ELISA). Results of the IgG-ELISA with the above recombinant antigens were confirmed with commercially available IgG detection kit for T . canis infection used as a standard test. All three recombinant antigens were 100% sensitive in the detection of positive cases (n = 6) of T . canis infection in human and were screened for their cross-reactivity in human patients with history of Toxoplasma gondii , Plasmodium vivax , Entamoeba histolytica , hydatid and hookworm infections. The recombinant TES-26 antigen showed higher specificity and cross-reacted with T . gondii infection sera only. However, arginine kinase and cathepsin L-1 recombinant antigens showed cross-reactions with sera of patients infected with T . gondii , P . vivax and E . histolytica but not with the patient sera infected with hydatid and hookworm. These results show that recombinant TES-26 is a potential diagnostic candidate antigen for human toxocarosis caused by migrating T . canis larvae.

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor has emerged as the major pest of honeybees. Despite extensive research efforts, the pathogenesis of varroosis has not been fully explained. Earlier studies suggested that V . destructor infestation leads to the suppression of the host’s immune system. The aim of this study was to analyze the immune responses of 14 genes in the Toll signal transduction pathways, including effector genes of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), in developing Apis mellifera workers and drones infested with V . destructor . Four developmental stages (L5 larvae, prepupae, and 2 pupal stages) and newly emerged imagines were analyzed. In workers, the most significant changes were observed in L5 larvae in the initial stages of infestation. A significant increase in the relative expression of 10 of the 14 analyzed genes, including defensin-1 and defensin-2 , was observed in infested bees relative to non-infested individuals. The immune response in drones developed at a slower rate. The expression of genes regulating cytoplasmic signal transduction increased in prepupae, whereas the expression of defensin-1 and defensin-2 effector genes increased in P3 pupae with red eyes. The expression of many immunity-related genes was silenced in successive life stages and in imagines, and it was more profound in workers than in drones. The results indicate that V . destructor significantly influences immune responses regulated by the Toll signal transduction pathway in bees. In infested bees, the observed changes in Toll pathway genes varied between life stages and the sexes.

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae which are ubiquitously distributed worldwide and can be found in the wide range of environments, particularly in various types of water sources, where they able to cause important health problems. In the present study, cultures containing Acanthamoeba from water samples were obtained from our earlier survey. For an analysis of the genetic pattern of Acanthamoeba isolates, DNA sequencing of nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene (18S rRNA or Rns) was applied. A phylogenetic analyses of the isolates displayed that all of them were belonged to the potentially pathogenic T4 genotype. This investigation provides further evidence that the T4 genotype is the most prevalent in water samples and demonstrates that there is a need for taking more consideration to water sources in order to prevent complications associated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba spp.

In present study, blood samples were collected randomly from 439 cows at three main regions of Egypt (northern, central and southern). Molecular diagnosis of Babesia and Theileria infections by PCR amplification of DNA (gene) fragments, then cloning and sequencing of the positive samples were conducted. A questionnaire was created to imply the assumed risk factors and logistic regression statistical analysis was carried out to appraise the potential factors on the animal level. The results revealed that 49 (11.16%) and 45 (10.25%) cattle were infected with Babesia and Theileria parasites, respectively. B . bigemina (7.97%) and T . annulata (9.56%) were the most prevalent parasites. For Babesia sp., final multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between the infection and irregular use of antiprotozoal drugs ( P = 0.003; OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65), management practice ( P = 0.029; OR: 6.66; 95% CI: 1.21–36.59) and ecology area ( P = 0.006; OR: 5.62; 95% CI: 1.63–19.31). However, for Theileria sp. infection, animal breed ( P = 0.003; OR: 0.44; 95% CI: .45–1.00) and irregular use of antiprotozoal drugs ( P <0.001; OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.62–5.60) were the potential risk factors. The results of the present study declare the prevalent bovine Babesia and Theileria sp. in Egypt based on molecular description. An impression on the potential risk factors associated with infections was obtained. Recognition of the potential risk factors associated with tick borne disease may be helpful to construct the best preventive measures.

Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923, parasite of Topidurus torquatus (Wied-Neuwied, 1820) (Tropiduridae) from Brazil and Pharyngodon mamillatus (Linstow, 1897) of Chalcides ocellatus (Forskal, 1775) (Scincidae) from Egypt, were redescribed based on light and scanning electron microscopy, and re-evaluation of specimens from parasitological collections. The following features were accurately observed in S . oscari for the first time: structure of lips and pharyngeal valve, presence and distribution of somatic papillae, number and arrangement of caudal papillae, presence of inner sclerotised structures supporting the ventral sucker and the ventral region in tail of males, and structure of the posterior anal lip in females. The unpaired papilla on the inferior edge of the ventral sucker in males of S . oscari is a cuticular groove instead of a true papilla. Regarding the morphology of P . mamillatus the following features were given in details for the first time: structure of the cephalic end in both male and female, location of amphids, position of phasmids in females and the accurate morphology of caudal bursa in males, including the distribution of caudal papillae and the genital cone morphology. Strongyluris oscari and P . mamillatus have no intraspecific morphological variations, but wide range on biometric features. These variations may be accounted by host/environment attributes, since they exhibit wide host and geographical spectra. The present results increased the morphological knowledge of P . mamillatus and S . oscari , strengthening their taxonomic validity.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are a crucial restraint to grazing sheep production worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the infections and anthelmintic resistance (AR) of GIN in pasture-based sheep in the Eastern Inner Mongolia, China. GIN eggs were tested from 600 grazing sheep feces of 10 farms using saturated saline flotation method and McMaster’s method. The egg hatch test (EHT) and the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) were used to evaluate resistance of GIN to anthelmintics. We found that the average infection rate was 79.2% (range: 45%-100%). The grand mean faecal egg count (FEC) was 1813.2 eggs per gram (EPG) (range: 0-32400 EPG). There were significant differences in GIN infection among different breeds of sheep. The sequence of infection intensity and infection rate were Small fat tail > Ujimqin > Ju Ud ( p <0.05). The 50% effective doses (ED 50 ) of albendazole(ABZ) and levamisole (LMS) for expelling were 5.670 µg/mL and 0.302 µg/mL, respectively. The percentage reductions of avermectin (AVM), ivermectin (IVM), ABZ and LMS were 81.28%, 86.49%, 76.21% and 96.59%, respectively. The most predominant parasite genus in all four anthelmintics was Haemonchus . In these tested areas, mixed infections of GIN in grazing sheep were very common. AR, especially in Haemonchus , was a serious problem in these sheep flocks. Thus, actions are urgently required to taken to mitigate the worsening situation.

The study was focused on the dynamics of humoral response to Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens (TES antigens) in mice experimentally infected by T. canis L3 larvae in different ways. In particular, we compared the effect of infection with two doses of 1000 larvae vs. repeated infections with a low number of larvae (daily infection with 10 larvae and weekly infection with 100 larvae in the course of 22 weeks). In ELISA, all infections, including both schemes with lower larval doses, elicited significant antibody response. Elevated levels of total IgE and TES-antigen-specific IgM were detected on day 12 after the first infection, followed by IgG and IgG1, and later by IgG3, IgG2a and IgG2b; specific IgE response was not detected. It seems that the high levels of IgM and IgG1 represent the best markers of infection. In addition, gradual increase of IgG2a and IgG2b could help in determination of the infection course. As a byproduct of our work, a new method of infection by repeated drinking of larvae was introduced; it minimizes the pain and discomfort for the experimental mice.

Bovine piroplasmosis, a tick-borne protozoan disease, is a major concern for the cattle industry worldwide due to its negative effects on livestock productivity. Toward the development of novel therapeutic and vaccine approaches, tick-parasite experimental models have been established to clarify the development of parasites in the ticks and the transmission of the parasites by ticks. A novel tick- Babesia experimental infection model recently revealed the time course of Babesia ovata migration in its vector Haemaphysalis longicornis , which is a dominant tick species in Japan. However, there has been no research on the transovarial persistence of B . ovata DNA using this experimental infection model. Here we assessed the presence of B . ovata DNA in eggs derived from parthenogenetic H . longicornis female ticks that had engorged after semi-artificial mouse skin membrane feeding of B . ovata -infected bovine red blood cells. The oviposition period of the engorged female ticks was 21–24 days in the semi-artificial feeding. Total egg weight measured daily reached a peak by day 3 in all female ticks. Nested PCR revealed that 3 of 10 female ticks laid B . ovata DNA-positive eggs after the semi-artificial feeding. In addition, B . ovata DNA was detected at the peak of egg weight during oviposition, indicating that B . ovata exist in the eggs laid a few days after the onset of oviposition in the tick. These findings will contribute to the establishment of B . ovata -infected H . longicornis colonies under laboratory conditions.

Spauligodon papuensis sp. nov. from the large intestines of Cyrtodactylus epiroticus (Gekkonidae) from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. Spauligodon papuensis sp. nov. represents the 54 th species assigned to the genus and the second species from the Oceanic Region. The new species is separated from congeners by the unique combination of aspinose filamentous tail and no spicule in the male; and spinose filamentous tail, fusiform, flanged eggs, and postbulbar vulva in the female. Four additional species of nematodes were also found in C. epiroticus : mature specimens of Cosmocerca zugi , Falcaustra papuensis , Physalopteroides milnensis and larvae of Abbreviata sp.

In the present study, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to further study the detailed morphology of Physaloptera clausa Rudolphi, 1819, based on the material collected from the Amur hedgehog E. amurensis Schrenk in China. The results revealed a few previously unreported morphological features and some morphological and morphometric variability between our specimens and the previous studies. The present supplementary morphological characters and morphometric data could help us to recognize this species more accurately.

Nematodes Ashworthius sidemi are typical parasites of Asiatic cervids, mostly sika deer ( Cervus nippon ). Migrating red deer have probably introduced this parasite to the area of Poland from neighbouring countries. The aim of the study was to determine prevalence and intensity of infection of red deer and roe deer from the Lower Silesian Wilderness with A . sidemi after one year from previous studies and to examine the influence of these parasites on other species of gastrointestinal nematodes. 31 abomasa of red deer and 3 abomasa of roe deer from Forest Dictrict of Ruszów have been examined on the presence of parasites. In comparison with previous studies, red deer showed significant, over triple increase of prevalence of A . sidemi and over fivefold increase of mean intensity of infection. Maximum intensity of infection has increased over 24 times. These results indicate on dynamic spread of this new aswortiosis foci. Apart from previously registered parasite species, four new nematodes have been found in examined red deer and roe deer during this year studies. Red deer have been infected with Spiculopteragia assymmetrica , typical for fallow deer and Haemonchus placei – typical for bovine, whereas roe deer have been infected with Trichostrongylus axei and Trichostrongylus capricola , parasites of sheep, goats and bovine. Prevalence of red deer infection with nematodes S . boehmi and Ostertagia leptospicularis was lower than two years ago while prevalence of infection with S . mathevossiani and O . kolchida was higher. Intensity of infection with these nematodes has increased.

We examined 34 lepidopteran species belonging to 12 families to determine presence and prevalence of microsporidian pathogens. The insects were collected from May 2009 to July 2012 from 44 sites in Bulgaria. Nosema species were isolated from Archips xylosteana , Tortrix viridana , Operophtera brumata , Orthosia cerasi , and Orthosia cruda . Endoreticulatus sp. was isolated from Eilema complana . The prevalence of all isolates in their hosts was low and ranged from 1.0% to 5.3%. Phylogenetic analyses of the new isolates based on SSU rDNA are presented.

In last few years, a great effort has been made to understand genetic interrelationships of European and North American populations of giant liver fluke Fascioloides magna (Trematoda, Fasciolidae). In Europe, spatial distribution of this parasite is evidently dynamic and ongoing process since new F . magna populations have constantly been emerging. Most recently, occurrence of F . magna in red deer ( Cervus elaphus ), sika deer ( Cervus nippon ), fallow deer ( Dama dama ), roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ), and wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) was reported from north-eastern Bavaria in Germany. Fascioloides magna specimens collected from those hosts were genotyped using two mitochondrial regions; cytochrome c oxidase ( cox 1) and nicotinamide dehydrogenase ( nad 1). Results were compared with reference mitochondrial haplotypes of previously characterized European F . magna populations from northern Italy, Czech Republic/Poland, and the Danube floodplain forests. The study revealed genetic uniformity of F . magna specimens from Germany with flukes from the Czech focus, what indicated that fascioloidosis has been spreading beyond well established Czech focus into neighbouring countries.

Myrmicinosporidium durum is an enigmatic fungal parasite of ants with an unclear phylogeny and life cycle. Despite the fact that new records of this fungus have been revealed in the last few years; several countries from Eastern Europe still lack such information. With this study, we reveal the most northerly location of this fungus to date and its first record in Poland a contribution to filling the gaps in data about its European distribution. Additionally, we present an updated compilation of the world distribution of M . durum and its host ant species.

Angiostrongylosis caused by metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasitic disease in Europe and the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) is considered as a main reservoir species for this parasite. Little is known about the role of other wild canids in the epidemiology of angiostrongylosis. The present paper provides the first description of pathomorphological lesions caused by A . vasorum in a golden jackal ( Canis aureus ). The paper describes a case of co-infection with A . vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis in a one-year-old female golden jackal, legally hunted near the City of Kovin, South Banat, Serbia. The postmortem examination revealed severe pneumonia, proliferative endarteritis, the presence of two adult males of D . immitis in the right atrium, and the presence of 15 adult forms of A . vasorum (11 females and 4 males) in the pulmonary arteries. Native microscopy of an impression smear of the lung tissue found numerous larvae compatible with the A . vasorum first larval stage. This paper provides the first evidence that angiostrongylosis exists in the golden jackal in Serbia and confirms that the golden jackal should be considered as a very suitable definitive host for A . vasorum . The results suggest the possibility that the golden jackal may act as reservoir species and as an important transmitter of A . vasorum larvae.