African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 685–692

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140685

Article Type: Short Communication

Title: Molecular confirmation of subcutaneous linguatulosis caused by Linguatula serrata nymphs in slaughtered camels in the semi-arid zone of central Chad

Names of Authors: Mahamat A. Idriss¹, Youssouf O. Al-Hadj¹, Abakar G. Moussa²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut de Recherche en Élevage pour le Développement, N'Djamena, Chad. ²Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine, Université de N'Djamena, N'Djamena, Chad.

Abstract: Linguatulosis is a neglected zoonotic pentastomiasis that causes severe visceral and mesenteric tissue damage in domestic ruminants. This abattoir survey investigated the prevalence, tissue distribution, and molecular identity of Linguatula serrata nymphs in 450 dromedary camels slaughtered in central Chad. Lungs, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were physically inspected for nymphal stages, and species identity was confirmed by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The overall infection prevalence was 16.4 percent (n = 74). Mesenteric lymph nodes were the most commonly infected tissue (62.2 percent), followed by the liver (24.3 percent) and lungs (13.5 percent). Pathological evaluation of positive lymph nodes showed marked hypertrophy, chronic caseous inflammation, and focal necrosis around embedded nymphs. Genetic analysis of the recovered parasites confirmed high sequence identity (99.1 to 99.8 percent) with reference Linguatula serrata strains from North Africa and the Middle East. Multivariable regression associated high infection burdens with camels older than 8 years (odds ratio = 2.88, 95 percent confidence interval [1.42 to 5.85]). Packed cell volume and white blood cell profiles showed no systemic variations except for localized eosinophilia in heavily infested animals. The confirmation of Linguatula serrata in Chadian camels highlights active transmission networks involving domestic dogs, demanding strict slaughterhouse management and public health awareness to minimize zoonotic risks.

Keywords: Linguatula serrata, Camels, Pentastomiasis, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Abattoir survey, Chad

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 25 June 2026; Revised: 24 July 2026; Accepted: 10 August 2026; Published: 31 August 2026

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