African Journal of Parasitology Research

African Journal of Parasitology Research | Vol. 14, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 773–780

DOI: 10.46882/AJPR/140773

Article Type: Short Communication

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

Names of Authors: Ibrahim M. Souley¹, Moussa O. Alassane¹, Abdoulaye G. Kallo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger, Niamey, Niger. ²Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, Niger.

Abstract: Linguatulosis is a neglected zoonotic pentastomiasis that causes severe visceral and mesenteric organ damage in domestic ruminants. This abattoir survey investigated the prevalence, tissue distribution, and molecular identity of Linguatula serrata nymphs in 450 sheep slaughtered in central Niger. 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. Multivariable regression associated high infection burdens with sheep older than 3 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 Nigerien sheep highlights active transmission networks involving domestic dogs, demanding strict slaughterhouse management and public health awareness to minimize zoonotic risks.

Keywords: Linguatula serrata, Sheep pentastomiasis, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, Abattoir survey, Zoonotic risks, Niger

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 28 June 2026; Revised: 24 July 2026; Accepted: 15 August 2026; Published: 31 August 2026

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