Prevalence and histopathological characteristics of Linguatula serrata infection among slaughtered ruminants in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

There is no data concerning the status of Linguatula serrata (L. serrata) infection in ruminants in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and pathologic features of linguatulosis, among slaughtered ruminants in several abattoirs in Mazandaran Province. The infection rate of L. serrata in mesenteric lymph nodes of sheep, goats, and cattle were grossly and microscopically examined. Overall, of 6249 goats, sheep, and cattle examined, 16.8% of goats, 6.8% of sheep, and 6.9% of cattle were found to be infected with L. serrata nymphs. In general, the prevalence rate of L. serrata infection was 9.1% in these animals. The prevalence of L.serrata infection in goats was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other animals. Locality survey illustrated the majority (86.7%) of sheep and goats infected with L.serrata were non-indigenous and belonged to Eastern parts of Iran; but this proportion in regards to cattle was reverse. Granulomatous reaction was formed with giant cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and macrophages around the degenerated parasite were mainly observed. In addition, typical acidophilic glands in the anterior region of the parasite are pathognomonic characteristic for diagnosing nymphs in the tissue sections. The high prevalence of L. serrata infection in the ruminants verified the hyperendemic situation of linguatulosis in the Eastern part of Iran and will represent a risk for inhabitants in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. © 2017, Springer-Verlag London Ltd.