Abstract

Linguatulosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Linguatula serrata. Ruminants are the most important intermediate hosts of this parasite. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence rate of Linguatula serrata infection in slaughtered sheep in slaughterhouses of Tehran province, Iran. A total of 767 slaughtered sheep were selected in 2016 using systematic random sampling and their mesenteric lymph nodes were examined for Linguatula serrata nymph detection. Then, the infection rate and its intensity in different ages, sex and seasons were assessed. It was revealed that 66 sheep (8.6) were infected with Linguatula serrata nymphs. Intensity of the infection was 4.88 nymphs. The highest rate of infection was observed in sheep aged over 19 months (P≤0.05). The highest infection rate and intensity of the infection were recorded in winter and summer, respectively (P≤0.05). Besides, intensity of the infection in females was significantly higher than that in males (P≤0.05). This study indicates the importance of Linguatula serrata infection in sheep in Tehran province, and the need to improve preventive measures for reducing the rate of infection and preventing transmission of the infection from sheep and other ruminant to other animals and humans in Iran. © 2019, Trakia University. All rights reserved.