Prevalence of Linguatula serrata nymphs in goats in Shiraz, Iran

The prevalence rate of Linguatula serrata nymphs in livers and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of 204 goats was investigated. Samples of lymph nodes and livers were examined macroscopically. A digestion method was also applied for investigation of liver samples. MLNs of 61 goats (29.9%) and livers of 13 goats (6.4%) were infected with L. serrata nymphs. There was no significant difference between the prevalence in livers and MLNs among different age groups. The prevalence in MLNs was independent of sex in each age group. It is concluded that consumption of raw or under-cooked goat liver may result in nasopharyngeal linguatulosis in humans. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved