Zoonotic Ocular Onchocercosis by Onchocerca lupi

Area of Science:

• Veterinary parasitology
• Zoonotic diseases
• Molecular evolution

Background:

• * *Onchocerca lupi* is a parasitic nematode causing ocular and subcutaneous onchocercosis.
• * Infections have been reported in dogs, cats, wolves, and sporadically in humans across continents.
• * The zoonotic potential of *O. lupi* has increased research interest in recent decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the evolutionary relationships of *Onchocerca lupi*.
• * To explore the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of *O. lupi*.
• * To understand the role of host domestication in the evolution of *O. lupi*.

Main Methods:

• * Phylogenetic analyses using molecular data.
• * Examination of clinical cases and lesion types.
• * Genotyping of *O. lupi* isolates.

Main Results:

• * *O. lupi* shows recent divergence from other *Onchocerca* species.
• * Domestication appears to be a significant factor in its evolutionary history.
• * A distinct *O. lupi* genotype associated with mild infections was identified in the Iberian Peninsula.

Conclusions:

• * *Onchocerca lupi* is an evolving parasite with zoonotic implications.
• * Further research is needed to fully understand the pathogenicity of *O. lupi* genotypes.
• * Host-parasite interactions and evolutionary factors shape the disease spectrum of *O. lupi*.