Vol. 10, Issue 10, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Vaishali Marathe and Govind Balde

Abstract: The barber's pole worm, or Heamonchus contortus, is a serious gastrointestinal parasite that affects domestic goats or Capra hircus, leading to severe economic losses in the livestock industry. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the morphological and molecular characteristics to better understand its biology, pathogenicity and potential control strategies. Heamonchus contortus is found in the abomasum of Capra hircus. Heamonchus contortus is one of the most important which sucks the blood and cause anemia and hypoproteinamia. The production and well-being of Capra hircus are seriously threatened by the parasitic worm Heamonchus contortus. The study focused on key diagnostic features, including the buccal cavity structure, spicule length in males, vulvar morphology in females and the overall size and shape of the worms. High-resolution pictures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) helped with precise identification and discrimination from other co-infection nematode species by displaying the complex surface features. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine genetic diversity, population structure and evolutionary relationships. DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and sequencing of particular genetic markers are all part of molecular characterisation. H. contortus serves as a useful model for parasitic nematode biodiscovery research because it is a significant member of the order Strongylida.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i10a.2591