Rodent-borne cestodes of the genus Raillietina includes several poorly characterized species with potential zoonotic relevance, but their molecular identity, host-parasite interactions, and susceptibility to alternative anthelmintic agents remain insufficiently understood. Here we present an integrated morphological, ultrastructural, molecular, immunopathological and experimental evaluation of Raillietina hymenolepidoides naturally infects the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus) in Egypt. Adult cestodes were identified using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequencing, confirming species identity and revealing close phylogenetic affinity to Raillietina mahnerti. Histopathological analysis of infected hosts showed severe intestinal epithelial degeneration, necrosis and Peyer’s patch hyperplasia, accompanied by pulmonary emphysematous changes. Immunohistochemical profiling revealed increased CD56⁺ natural killer cell infiltration along with decreased CD68⁺ macrophage and TGF-β expression, indicating altered local immune regulation during chronic infection. In parallel, the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Androctonus crassicauda raw venom was assessed against adult cestodes, revealing time-dependent tegumental disruption, microtriche erosion, proglottid dissolution and parasite death, as visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Collectively, these findings provide the first comprehensive molecular confirmation of R. hymenolepidoides in P. obesus in Egypt and demonstrate the pronounced in vitro cestocidal effects of scorpion venom. The study highlights the value of integrative parasitological approaches and supports further investigation of venom-derived compounds as potential leaders for new anthelmintic development.
Anwar, FAS, Alkenani, NA, Abd-elghaffar, SK et al. Integrated morphological, molecular and immunopathological characterization of Raillietina hymenolepidoides from Psammomys obesus reveals potent in vitro anthelmintic activity of Androctonus crassicauda married. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43187-3
