Innovative diagnostic strategies for Taenia ovis infection: Exploring molecular, gene expression, oxidative stress,...

Taenia ovis is an economically significant cestode affecting sheep. Its larval stage, Cysticercus ovis, causes ovine cysticercosis, leading to substantial economic losses due to carcass condemnation and reduced meat quality. This study utilized a comprehensive approach to investigate the prevalence, phylogenetic characterization, immune response, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological changes associated with T. ovis infection in naturally infected sheep. Among 220 slaughtered sheep examined post-mortem, an overall prevalence of 18.63 % was observed, with infection rates higher in males (20.83 %) than in females (16 %). Seasonal variation demonstrated the highest prevalence in spring (41.46 %), followed by winter (29.27 %), autumn (17.07 %), and summer (12.20 %). Molecular characterization of T. ovis isolates, which is based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, revealed a high genetic similarity between Egyptian isolates and those from New Zealand, indicating genetic stability across geographically distinct regions. Immune response profiling showed significant upregulation (P < 0.0001) of cytokines such as interleukin 1β, interleukin 10, transforming growth factor β, interleukin 5, toll-like receptor 7, and gata-binding protein 3, indicating a robust inflammatory and immune-modulatory response. Further analysis of oxidative stress markers revealed marked increases in malondialdehyde and total oxidant status, reflecting heightened oxidative damage, while elevated total antioxidant capacity suggested a compensatory antioxidant response. Histopathological examination confirmed the infection through the observation of granulomatous inflammation, fibrosis, myositis, and calcification in the affected tissues. These findings underscore the pathogenic impact of T. ovis and provide valuable insights into its biology, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic and control strategies to mitigate its economic and agricultural burdens.