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Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology2025; 49(3); 489-497; doi: 10.1007/s12639-025-01782-7

Gastric equine myiasis: prevalence, pathogenesis, molecular and serological implications.

Abstract: This study aimed to collect data on the most common parasites of the family equidae which is spp. During this study we focused on the prevalence rate in the world; the distribution of the six known species: life cycle and the pathogenesis of the larvae inside the hosts were investigated around the world. Molecular as well as serological diagnoses were analyzed. Possible treatment strategies which were fully studied; are also, included. () and larvae are the main present larvae in equine; other species, such as , , and may be present. Although the female flies' egg-laying behavior can annoy horses and cause them to behave abnormally to escape the flies, clinical indications in equine are obtained from the presence and lesions generated by the larvae in the host's digestive tract. Oral, gingival, or lingual irritation, inflammation, or necrosis that can cause feeding difficulties, dysphagia, and, as a result, weight loss and impaired physical condition (particularly in young animals), as well as digestive disorders brought on by L2 and L3 larvae attached to the stomach or intestinal wall (inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, ulcers, gastric rupture, intramural gastric suppuration, gastroduodenal perforation and gastroeophageal reflux, peritonitis, and death).
© Indian Society for Parasitology 2025. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
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Publication Date: 2025-02-01 PubMed ID: 40901419PubMed Central: PMC12399486DOI: 10.1007/s12639-025-01782-7Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Gastric equine myiasis is a parasitic condition caused by larvae of bot flies affecting horses and related species. This study investigates the prevalence, species distribution, life cycle, pathogenic effects, molecular and serological diagnosis methods, as well as treatment strategies for these larvae worldwide.

Study Aim and Scope

  • To collect comprehensive data on the most common parasites from the family Equidae, focusing on gastric myiasis caused by bot fly larvae.
  • To review the prevalence rate of these parasites globally.
  • To analyze the distribution of the six known species of bot flies affecting equines.
  • To explore the life cycle and the pathogenic effects of the larvae inside their hosts.
  • To investigate molecular and serological diagnostic methods used for identifying these parasites.
  • To study possible treatment strategies based on current research.

Common Parasite Species and Their Distribution

  • Main larvae species present in equines include unnamed but indicated dominant larvae.
  • Other species mentioned but not specified in the abstract might also be present in various regions.
  • The study aimed to map and understand the geographical distribution of these species globally.

Life Cycle and Pathogenesis

  • Female bot flies lay eggs on horses, which may cause annoyance and abnormal behavior in the animals as they attempt to avoid the flies.
  • The larvae hatch and migrate into the host’s digestive tract, especially the stomach and intestines.
  • Clinical signs arise not from the flies directly but from the larvae and the tissue damage they cause.
  • Larval infestation in the mouth regions can cause irritation, inflammation, or necrosis of oral, gingival, or lingual tissues.
  • These oral lesions can lead to difficulty in feeding, swallowing (dysphagia), and subsequently weight loss and poor physical condition, particularly affecting young animals.
  • Larvae at second (L2) and third (L3) instar stages attach to the stomach or intestinal walls, causing:
    • Inflammation of gastric and intestinal mucosa
    • Ulcers and tissue necrosis
    • Serious complications such as gastric rupture, suppuration inside the gastric wall, gastroduodenal perforation, and gastroeophageal reflux
    • Peritonitis and in severe cases, death

Molecular and Serological Diagnosis

  • The study analyzed molecular techniques used to detect and differentiate bot fly species and larval stages.
  • Serological assays were evaluated to identify host immune responses against the larvae.
  • Both approaches improve accuracy in diagnosing gastric myiasis and understanding parasite burden in equine populations.

Treatment Strategies

  • The study reviewed treatment methods geared towards eliminating larval stages within the host.
  • Therapies might include antiparasitic drugs effective against larval forms.
  • Treatment aims not only at parasite eradication but also at resolving pathological lesions caused by larval attachment and migration.
  • Preventative strategies to reduce egg laying and larval infestation were likely discussed.

Clinical Significance

  • Gastric myiasis in equines leads to significant health issues, affecting animal welfare and performance.
  • Understanding prevalence, life cycle, and pathogenesis assists in managing infestations and mitigating economic impact.
  • Improved diagnostic techniques pave the way for early detection and timely treatment, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Cite This Article

APA
Attia MM, Omar HM. (2025). Gastric equine myiasis: prevalence, pathogenesis, molecular and serological implications. J Parasit Dis, 49(3), 489-497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-025-01782-7

Publication

Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology
ISSN: 0971-7196
NlmUniqueID: 9713059
Country: India
Language: English
Volume: 49
Issue: 3
Pages: 489-497

Researcher Affiliations

Attia, Marwa M
  • Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211 Egypt.
Omar, Hussein M
  • Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211 Egypt.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Conflict of interestAll Authors declare that, there is no competing of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Wang T, Chen X, Yan X, Su Y, Gao W, Liu C, Wang W. Progress in serology and molecular biology of equine parasite diagnosis: sustainable control strategies. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1663577.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1663577pubmed: 40979365google scholar: lookup
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