Trichuris ovis: Prevalence, Molecular Advances, Immunopathogenesis, and Diagnosis of a Neglected Ruminant Whipworm
- 1Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- 2PI Veterinary Institute of the Republic of Srpska “Dr. Vaso Butozan”, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
Trichuris ovis is a widespread whipworm of the cecum and colon of domestic ruminants, transmitted through resistant eggs that persist on pastures for years. Although most infections are subclinical, heavy infections in young animals cause typhlitis and colitis. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on T. ovis, emphasizing molecular systematics, immunopathogenesis, and diagnosis. Complete mitochondrial genomes have confirmed T. ovis as distinct from T. discolor and T. skrjabini, but discordance between ribosomal and mitochondrial markers leaves its relationship with T. globulosa unresolved and suggests cryptic lineages. Reported prevalence ranges from below 1% to over 70% and depends on the diagnostic method, as coprological examination cannot distinguish Trichuris species. Immunological knowledge derives mainly from the T. muris model, in which T helper 2 (Th2) responses mediate worm expulsion and excretory–secretory proteins modulate host immunity, whereas data for ruminants remain scarce. Flotation solutions of higher specific gravity improve egg detection, and combined nuclear and mitochondrial markers are required for reliable species identification. Control should rely on integrated parasite management that prioritizes reducing environmental contamination. Remaining gaps include anthelmintic efficacy and resistance in T. ovis and molecular data from underrepresented regions, including the Balkans.
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BibTeX
@article{ilic2026trichuris,
title = {{Trichuris ovis: Prevalence, Molecular Advances, Immunopathogenesis, and Diagnosis of a Neglected Ruminant Whipworm}},
author = {Tamara Ilić and Ana Milosavljević and Oliver Stevanović and Nemanja M. Jovanović},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27219792},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9792},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Trichuris ovis: Prevalence, Molecular Advances, Immunopathogenesis, and Diagnosis of a Neglected Ruminant Whipworm
AU - Tamara Ilić
AU - Ana Milosavljević
AU - Oliver Stevanović
AU - Nemanja M. Jovanović
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/31
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27219792
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9792
AB - Trichuris ovis is a widespread whipworm of the cecum and colon of domestic ruminants, transmitted through resistant eggs that persist on pastures for years. Although most infections are subclinical, heavy infections in young animals cause typhlitis and colitis. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on T. ovis, emphasizing molecular systematics, immunopathogenesis, and diagnosis. Complete mitochondrial genomes have confirmed T. ovis as distinct from T. discolor and T. skrjabini, but discordance between ribosomal and mitochondrial markers leaves its relationship with T. globulosa unresolved and suggests cryptic lineages. Reported prevalence ranges from below 1% to over 70% and depends on the diagnostic method, as coprological examination cannot distinguish Trichuris species. Immunological knowledge derives mainly from the T. muris model, in which T helper 2 (Th2) responses mediate worm expulsion and excretory–secretory proteins modulate host immunity, whereas data for ruminants remain scarce. Flotation solutions of higher specific gravity improve egg detection, and combined nuclear and mitochondrial markers are required for reliable species identification. Control should rely on integrated parasite management that prioritizes reducing environmental contamination. Remaining gaps include anthelmintic efficacy and resistance in T. ovis and molecular data from underrepresented regions, including the Balkans.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -