Lyudmila Lider

Background and Aim: Hedysarum gmelinii Ledeb. contains bioactive phenolic compounds, including prenylated chalcones, but its biological properties, particularly its ovicidal activity against veterinary parasites, remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal activity of H. gmelinii extract against Toxocara cati and strongylid eggs and to provide a preliminary assessment of its cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Materials and Methods: Aerial parts of H. gmelinii were collected in the Akmola Region, Kazakhstan, and extracted with ethanol:chloroform (1:1) using a Soxhlet apparatus. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Artemia salina nauplii at extract concentrations of 1%–10%. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were assessed by agar well diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Ovicidal activity was evaluated against T. cati eggs at 5% and 10% and strongylid eggs at 10%, 20%, and 30%, with exposure periods ranging from 30 min to 48 h. Egg viability was evaluated after 21 days based on morphological evidence of shell damage, loss of internal contents, and arrested embryonic development. Results: A. salina nauplii showed no mortality at 1%–10% extract concentrations. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were weak and most evident at higher concentrations. At 10%, inhibition zones were 12.0 ± 0.12 mm for S. aureus, 14.0 ± 0.14 mm for E. coli, and 13.0 ± 0.18 mm for C. albicans. Ovicidal activity increased with concentration and exposure time. After 48 h, non-viability of T. cati eggs reached 79.0 ± 1.9% and 89.0 ± 1.8% at 5% and 10%, respectively. For strongylid eggs, non-viability reached 89.0 ± 1.2%, 92.0 ± 1.3%, and 95.0 ± 2.2% at 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Differences from the negative control were significant (p < 0.05). Microscopy revealed eggshell deformation, disruption of internal structures, and arrested embryonic development. Conclusion: H. gmelinii extract demonstrated pronounced in vitro ovicidal activity against T. cati and strongylid eggs but limited antibacterial and antifungal activity. These preliminary findings support further phytochemical standardization, mammalian safety assessment, and in vivo evaluation before establishing its potential veterinary antiparasitic application. Keywords: antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, Hedysarum gmelinii, in vitro, ovicidal activity, plant extract, strongylid eggs, Toxocara cati.

Anisakis spp. are foodborne parasites of major public health concern due to their dual role as infectious agents and potent allergens. This study investigated the prevalence, infection intensity, and allergenic potential of Anisakidae in ready-to-eat fish products available on the Astana market (Kazakhstan). A total of 27 commercial fish product brands representing various species and processing methods were examined using artificial digestion and molecular analysis. Third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis were detected in 10 products, including cod liver, pink salmon, tuna, mackerel, smoked herring, lightly salted herring, and smoked mackerel. Infection prevalence ranged from 7.5% to 100%, while mean infection intensity varied markedly, with the highest values observed in smoked and lightly salted herring products. PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and COX II genes confirmed the presence of Anisakidae DNA in all parasitologically positive samples. Notably, several products without detectable larvae by artificial digestion tested positive by PCR, indicating the persistence of Anisakis-derived genetic material associated with thermostable allergenic proteins. These findings demonstrate that the absence of visible larvae does not necessarily indicate the absence of allergenic risk and highlight the importance of combining parasitological and molecular methods for comprehensive food safety assessment of ready-to-eat fish products.

Background and Aim. Endoparasitic infections in domestic and stray cats are of veterinary and public health importance due to their potential zoonotic transmission and environmental contamination. In Kazakhstan, systematic spatial data on the distribution of endoparasites in cats remain limited. This study aimed to develop an information database and a GIS-based cartographic model for collecting, analyzing, and spatially visualizing data on endoparasitic infections in cats and to identify areas withpotentially increased infection risk.Materials and Methods. Data from 1,301 cats from five major cities of Kazakhstan (Almaty, n=282; Astana, n=382; Shymkent, n=389; Uralsk, n=76; and Kostanay, n=192) were collected from veterinary clinics and animal shelters. Fecal samples from 1,301 cats were examined for helminth eggs and coccidian oocysts; 1,256 cats were tested for Giardia spp. coproantigen, and serum samples from 273 cats were tested for Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG antibodies. The database included biological characteristics, sample types, laboratory results, and geographic coordinates of sampling sites. GISbased spatial visualization was performed using ArcGIS to assess the distribution of Toxocara cati, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. based on coprological examinations, as well as T. gondii seropositivity based on serological testing.Results. GIS-based visualization demonstrated parasite-specific spatial variation among the studied cities. The distribution patterns differed according to parasite species; for example, higher proportions of Toxocara cati, Cystoisospora spp., and Giardia spp.-positive samples were observed in Almaty, whereas Cryptosporidium spp. showed the highest observed proportion in Uralsk. These descriptive spatial patterns should not be interpreted as evidence of specific climatic or anthropogenic determinants, which were not directly measured in the present study. The developed GIS model enabled visualization of parasite distribution and identification of areas with higher concentrations of positive samples.Conclusion. The developed information database and GIS-based cartographic model provide useful tools for the systematic collection, spatial analysis, and visualization of data on endoparasitic infections in cats. Their application can support epidemiological surveillance, risk assessment, and the planning of targeted preventive measures in veterinary and public health programs in Kazakhstan.

Canine dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens is a vector-borne zoonotic infection of considerable veterinary and public health importance. Despite reports of the circulation of Dirofilaria spp. in neighboring countries, data on the molecular prevalence, species composition, and genetic diversity of these parasites in dogs from Kazakhstan remain limited. In the present study, owned, shelter, and stray dogs, which serve as the principal reservoirs of infection, were examined for the presence of microfilariae in blood, and the circulation of Dirofilaria spp. was molecularly confirmed. The study was conducted between September 2024 and January 2026 and included 751 canine blood samples collected from 10 regions of Kazakhstan. Initial screening was performed using the modified Knott test. Molecular identification was carried out through amplification of the mitochondrial cox1 gene, followed by DNA sequencing and comparative analysis with reference sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to assess the genetic relationships of the detected isolates. The overall molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. was 3.6% (27/751). The highest infection rate was recorded in the Aktobe region (22.3%), while positive cases were also detected in the Akmola (2.7%), Kostanay (1.7%), and West Kazakhstan (1.8%) regions. Species identification revealed the predominance of D. repens, whereas D. immitis was detected only in Aktobe region. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species identity of all obtained sequences and demonstrated a high degree of genetic similarity with Dirofilaria isolates previously reported from Europe and Asia. These findings confirm the circulation of Dirofilaria spp. among dogs in several regions of Kazakhstan and indicate the ongoing expansion of canine dirofilariosis in Central Asia. This study provides the first molecular genetic data on Dirofilaria spp. in dogs from Kazakhstan and highlights the need for continued epidemiological surveillance and assessment of potential risks to animal and human health.

Investigations of taeniid fauna in felids, including the Eurasian lynx, in Central Asia have so far relied exclusively on traditional morphological methods. However, species identification based solely on morphological features can be unreliable. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify and characterize taeniid species from the Eurasian lynx and domestic cats in Kazakhstan using molecular techniques. Taeniid cestodes were collected from the intestines of 18 Eurasian lynx from northern and central Kazakhstan. In addition, 856 fecal samples from domestic cats in Astana, Almaty, and Kostanay were examined for cestode proglottids and eggs. Taeniid infection was detected in 7 (39%) of the lynx examined, and 5 (0.6%) of the cats were coproscopically positive for taeniid eggs or proglottids. Genomic DNA was extracted from isolated taeniid specimens obtained from each positive lynx and from taeniid-positive feline fecal samples, and mitochondrial DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers and subsequently sequenced. Taenia lynciscapreoli was molecularly identified in the Eurasian lynx, and Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto (s.s.) in domestic cats. This study represents the first molecular identification and characterization of both taeniid species in Central Asia. Further investigations are required to identify the natural intermediate hosts of T. lynciscapreoli in Kazakhstan.

Background and Aim: Ectoparasites are a major constraint to cattle productivity, welfare, and health under pasture conditions. Conventional chemical control methods are increasingly limited by the development of resistance, environmental contamination, and residue accumulation in animal products. Plant-derived insecticidal formulations combined with precision livestock technologies represent a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the field effectiveness and safety of a Nepeta cataria L.–based biopreparation delivered through an automated spraying system for sustainable control of cattle ectoparasites. Materials and Methods: A total of 145 clinically healthy cattle maintained under uniform pasture conditions were included in a prospective field trial. The biopreparation contained N. cataria essential oil (0.20%) incorporated into a plant-based formulation and applied as a 5% aqueous solution using an automated radio-frequency identification-integrated spraying system. Animals received a cumulative dose of 500 ± 100 mL through repeated voluntary passages over 2–3 days. Laboratory bioassays evaluated concentration-dependent insecticidal activity against Musca spp., Tabanidae, and Dermacentor spp. Field efficacy was assessed using the abundance and occurrence indices on days 7, 14, and 21 post-treatment. Physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters were monitored to assess safety. Results: Laboratory assays demonstrated significant concentration-dependent insecticidal activity, with mortality reaching approximately 86.0%–87.7% across the tested ectoparasites at higher concentrations, comparable to that of a synthetic reference insecticide. Under field conditions, complete suppression of detectable ectoparasite infestation was observed at days 7 and 14 following completion of the cumulative dose. Partial re-infestation occurred by day 21, with efficacy ranging from 66.7% to 88.6% depending on parasite species. Seasonal dynamics indicated high baseline infestation levels, particularly for Musca spp. and Simulium spp. All physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges, confirming treatment safety despite minor statistically significant variations in selected indicators. Conclusion: Automated cumulative application of an N. cataria–based biopreparation provides effective short-term control of cattle ectoparasites under pasture conditions without adverse health effects. The integration of plant-derived insecticidal formulations with automated delivery systems represents a technologically feasible and environmentally sustainable strategy for ectoparasite management in grazing livestock. Further controlled studies are required to optimize dosing strategies and evaluate long-term efficacy and ecological impact. Keywords: automated spraying system, cattle, ectoparasites, digital livestock management, hematological safety, insecticidal biopreparation, Nepeta cataria, plant-based insecticide, sustainable parasite control.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) complex. The disease is globally distributed, with particularly high prevalence in Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan. Despite its significant impact on public health and livestock production, data on CE in sheep in Kazakhstan remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) in sheep across Kazakhstan, addressing an important zoonotic disease affecting both livestock and human health. Over the course of one year, a total of 31,389 sheep were examined, and cystic echinococcosis cysts were collected from the livers and lungs of 550 infected sheep across 14 regions of Kazakhstan. Molecular analyses targeting mitochondrial genes (nad1, cox1) were performed to determine genetic diversity. The results revealed a higher occurrence of CE in the southern regions of the country. Among the genotyped isolates (57), genotype G1 was dominant, accounting for 84.2% (48) of the samples, whereas genotype G3 (9) was detected at a lower frequency in three regions. A total of 11 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating considerable genetic diversity among the isolates. Haplotype network analysis suggested gene flow among populations and revealed the widespread presence of the most common haplotype (EgKZ-2) across multiple regions. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and targeted control strategies for cystic echinococcosis, emphasizing the importance of understanding parasite genetic diversity for public health interventions and livestock management in endemic areas. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of E. granulosus s.s. in Central Asia.

The increasing reliance on imported fish products in Kazakhstan raises concerns about the presence of fish-borne parasitic infections, particularly zoonotic helminths that pose risks to public health. This study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of helminths in commercially imported marine fish using both traditional and molecular diagnostic methods. A total of 670 specimens representing 17 fish species were collected from retail markets in Astana, Almaty, and Karaganda. Macroscopic inspection and muscle compression techniques were used to detect larval parasites, followed by DNA extraction and PCR amplification targeting the ITS-2, 5.8S, 18S rRNA, and mitochondrial COX gene regions. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of cestodes (Eubothrium crassum, Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Nybelinia surmenicola), acanthocephalans (Echinorhynchus gadi), and nematodes, with a predominance of zoonotic species from the Anisakidae family, including Anisakis simplex, A. pegreffii, Pseudoterranova decipiens, and Contracaecum osculatum. The highest levels of infection were detected in Atka mackerel (97.1%), herring (96.0%), mackerel (92.0%), and blue whiting (88.1%), while the lowest rates were recorded in smelt (6.8%), flounder (10.2%), and haddock (16.0%). This is the first molecular-based survey of fish helminths in Kazakhstan and highlights the need to integrate genetic screening into food safety control systems to better protect consumers and improve parasite monitoring of imported seafood.

In recent years, the consumption of imported fish has increased significantly in Kazakhstan, especially representatives of the cod family, which are characterized by a high level of parasitic invasion. Anisakidosis is a parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the Anisakidae family. The main symptoms of this disease are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and allergic reactions. Humans are random hosts, consuming raw or undercooked fish and seafood. Until recently, it was believed that heat-treated fish was not dangerous, but recent studies show a high degree of allergy to anisakid antigens, which remain active after heat treatment. In addition, existing data indicate differences in the level of allergenicity between different species of nematodes in the family. In this regard, the species identification of anisakids is relevant for taxonomy, monitoring of distribution and minimizing potential risks to humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to select marker regions of genes for the identification of nematodes in cod family fish. Of the four types of primers, NC13/NC2 and NC5/NC2 are the most specific and optimal for amplifying the 5.8S and ITS-2 regions of rDNA. The nucleotide sequences obtained by us were identified as nematodes of the species Anisakis simplex and Hysterothylacium aduncum.