Prevalence of Linguatula serrata Nymphs in Goats Slaughtered in Mashhad Slaughterhouse, Iran

Background: Linguatula serrata is a worm-like parasite which is usually well-known as the tongue worm and aberrant cosmopolitan zoonotic arthropod placed in the order Pentastomida. The carnivorous mammals, especially cats and dogs, are known as the final hosts of this parasite, and the adult step happens in the nasal sinuses and nasopharynx, while nymphal steps in ruminants as the main intermediate hosts can progress in several organs, mainly mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in goats slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Iran. Methods: The prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of ۴۰۰ slaughtered goats from different sexes and age groups were examined. To this end, the MLNs were longitudinally cut and microscopically evaluated for L. serrata nymphs. The goats were slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Iran. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version ۱۶.۰) and chi-square test was used for determining the significance of the differences. The P values less than ۰.۰۵ were considered statistically significant. Results: As revealed by the results, the prevalence rate was ۱۹%. The age had a noteworthy effect on the frequency rate of the mentioned parasite in the goats as was seen in ۳-year old goats. A significant difference was observed in the infection frequency in two genera of male and female (P<۰.۰۵). Conclusions: Based on the results and zoonotic nature of studied parasite, preventive procedures should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission.