Impact of somatic complaints on the mental health of bank sector employees: An empirical study

Research article | https://doi.org/10.47262/BL/10.2.20240621

Prevalence and identification of zoonotic haemoparasites on bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) as potential vectors for diseases in humans

Areeba Fatima 1, Ayesha Mushtaq 1, Muhammad Rafiq 1, Aiman Saeed 1, Muhammad Rizwan 1, Zia Ur Rehman 2, Mushtaq Hussain Lashari 1, Khalid Javed Iqbal 1, Khawar Ali Shahzad 1*

1 Department of Zoology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan

2 Department of Physiology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan

Abstract

Frogs are an essential part of our ecosystem, but they are affecting humans through zoonotic diseases, and their numbers are also declining all over the planet. The primary reasons are natural changes and microorganisms. We aimed to find the possible cause of their decline and the diseases they spread in the surrounding environment. Haemoparasites can also be a significant cause of diseases in frogs, which later on become vectors for diseases in humans. Among 34 frogs, 15 were infected with Lankestrella sp and Lieshmania sp., while 19 were uninfected. Males have a higher rate of infection than females, with a ratio of 8:7, while mature frogs were more infected than immature. complete blood count (CBC) reports showed that the infected frogs were anaemic. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the health status of bullfrogs in the Cholistan Desert and contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of hemoparasite infections in humans. This information is crucial for developing appropriate conservation strategies, and management plans to protect the bullfrogs from declining and spreading diseases as well as their habitat in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and surveillance of hemoparasites in amphibian populations from both ecological and public health perspectives.