Abstract
Background: Linguatula serrata is a worm-like parasite which is usually well-known as the tongue worm and
aberrant cosmopolitan zoonotic arthropod placed in the order Pentastomida. The carnivorous mammals,
especially cats and dogs, are known as the final hosts of this parasite, and the adult step happens in the nasal
sinuses and nasopharynx, while nymphal steps in ruminants as the main intermediate hosts can progress in
several organs, mainly mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in goats slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse, Iran.
Methods: The prevalence of L. serrata nymphs in mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of 400
slaughtered goats from different sexes and age groups were examined. To this end, the MLNs were longitudinally
cut and microscopically evaluated for L. serrata nymphs. The goats were slaughtered in Mashhad slaughterhouse,
Iran. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16.0) and chi-square test was used for determining
the significance of the differences. The P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: As revealed by the results, the prevalence rate was 19%. The age had a noteworthy effect on the
frequency rate of the mentioned parasite in the goats as was seen in 3-year old goats. A significant difference
was observed in the infection frequency in two genera of male and female (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the results and zoonotic nature of studied parasite, preventive procedures should be
considered to reduce the risk of transmission.