Al-Qadisiyah Journal of Veterinary Medicine Sciences

Abstract Balantidium coli is a rare protozoan that infects humans. It is the only known ciliate parasite in people. The infection often comes from pigs or primates. It spreads through food or water that has been contaminated. Some people have no symptoms. Others may get diarrhea, dysentery, or long-term bowel problems. Studies show that B. coli can change the gut microbiome. Helpful bacteria like Bacteroidota and short-chain fatty acid producers may decrease. Harmful bacteria such as Campylobacterota and Brachyspira may increase. These shifts can harm the gut lining and trigger inflammation. The parasite eats bacteria, damages the gut wall, and changes nutrient levels. The immune system’s reaction can also promote harmful bacteria. These changes can remain after the infection clears, raising the chance of future illness. This imbalance can weaken the gut barrier. Bacteria may then pass into the blood. The balance of short-chain fatty acids may also change, affecting colon health and metabolism. Chronic cases may cause poor nutrient absorption. Checking the gut microbiome could help diagnose the infection. It could also guide treatment. Using antiparasitic drugs with probiotics or prebiotics may help restore balance. Understanding how B. coli affects gut bacteria could lead to better ways to prevent and treat the disease in people and animals.

Abstract Ticks are among the most important arthropod vectors, responsible for transmitting a wide variety of zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which pose serious threats to both human and animal health worldwide. Changes in the environment and increased interactions between humans and wildlife have expanded the geographic range of ticks, contributing to a rise in tick-borne diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of tick biology, ecology, and vector competence, alongside the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of major tick-borne zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). It also discusses current challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the importance of integrated surveillance and control strategies. By summarizing recent findings and highlighting knowledge gaps, this review aims to guide future research and support public health efforts to reduce the global impact of tick-borne zoonotic diseases. Ticks play a prominent role in causing new and re-emerging diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Abstract Zoonotic protozoan parasites are a diversified group of microscopic eukaryotic organisms that can infect humans and a wide variety of hosts. These fascinating creatures can leap across the species barrier to cause human diseases of global medical and veterinary importance. The study of parasite ecology is essential to understand the mechanisms behind their extraordinary success of crossing species barriers and how they infect and reside within hosts and cause diseases, thus contributing to disease prevention and control infrastructure. Toxoplasma gondii One of the most successful and widespread protozoan parasites is Toxoplasma gondii, which infects virtually all warm-blooded animals including humans. Infection can occur by ingesting infectious forms of these parasites contained in food or water or by exposure to contaminated cat feces. Cryptosporidium Waterborne protozoan parasite causing severe gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. Giardia Flagellated protozoan parasite, transmitted via the fecal-oral route, by drinking contaminated water or ingesting contaminated food. Entamoeba histolytica Protozoan parasite causing human amebic dysentery and amebic liver abscess.