Investigating the effects of species niche shifts on the potential distribution of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by using global occurrence data.

Invasive species may occupy quite different environments in their invaded areas to native ones, which may intensively interfere with predicting potential distribution through ecological niche modeling (ENM). Here, we take the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a tomato pest, as an example to investigate this topic. We analyzed niche expansion, stability, unfilling, and Schoener's D by principal component analysis (PCA) ordination method to examine its realized niche shifts and to explore how ENM approaches are affected by niche shifts. We used 5 datasets: Asian, African, European, South American, and global occurrence records in this study. Results showed that high niche unfilling for the species' invaded areas in Asia (20%), Africa (12%), and Europe (37%), possibly due to T. absoluta being in the early stages of invasion. High niche expansion was observed in Asia (38%) and Europe (19%), implying that some European and Asian populations had reached new climatic areas. African niche had the most niche stability (94%) and was equivalent to the native one in climate space (PCA ordination method), but the n-dimensional climate space framework showed that they were different. When projecting the native model to Asia and Europe, the native model performed poorly, implying that the niche shifts affected the transferability of the native model. ENM based on global data outperformed than other models, and our results suggested that T. absoluta has a large potential distribution in Asia, Mexico, South Europe, the United States, and Australia. Meanwhile, we recommend updating ENMs based on the species' invasion stage.

Interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis and selected plant extracts for sustainable management of Phthorimaea absoluta.

Phthorimaea absoluta is a global constraint to tomato production and can cause up to 100% yield loss. Farmers heavily rely on synthetic pesticides to manage this pest. However, these pesticides are detrimental to human, animal, and environmental health. Therefore, exploring eco-friendly, sustainable Integrated Pest Management approaches, including biopesticides as potential alternatives, is of paramount importance. In this context, the present study (i) evaluated the efficacy of 10 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, neem, garlic, and fenugreek; (ii) assessed the interactions between the most potent plant extracts and B. thuringiensis isolates, and (iii) evaluated the gut microbial diversity due to the treatments for the development of novel formulations against P. absoluta. Neem recorded the highest mortality of 93.79 ± 3.12% with an LT50 value of 1.21 ± 0.24 days, Bt HD263 induced 91.3 ± 3.68% mortality with LT50 of 2.63 ± 0.11 days, compared to both Bt 43 and fenugreek that caused < 50% mortality. Larval mortality was further enhanced to 99 ± 1.04% when Bt HD263 and neem were combined. Furthermore, the microbiome analyses showed that Klebsiella, Escherichia and Enterobacter had the highest abundance in all treatments with Klebsiella being the most abundant. In addition, a shift in the abundance of the bacterial genera due to the treatments was observed. Our findings showed that neem, garlic, and Bt HD263 could effectively control P. absoluta and be integrated into IPM programs after validation by field efficacy trials.

BEVA primary care clinical guidelines: Equine parasite control.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus on how best to balance our need to minimise the risk of parasite-associated disease in the individual horse, with the need to limit the use of anthelmintics in the population to preserve their efficacy through delaying further development of resistance. OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based guidelines utilising a modified GRADE framework. METHODS: A panel of veterinary scientists with relevant expertise and experience was convened. Relevant research questions were identified and developed with associated search terms being defined. Evidence in the veterinary literature was evaluated using the GRADE evidence-to-decision framework. Literature searches were performed utilising CAB abstracts and PubMed. Where there was insufficient evidence to answer the research question the panel developed practical guidance based on their collective knowledge and experience. RESULTS: Search results are presented, and recommendation or practical guidance were made in response to 37 clinically relevant questions relating to the use of anthelmintics in horses. MAIN LIMITATIONS: There was insufficient evidence to answer many of the questions with any degree of certainty and practical guidance frequently had to be based upon extrapolation of relevant information and the panel members' collective experience and opinions. CONCLUSIONS: Equine parasite control practices and current recommendations have a weak evidence base. These guidelines highlight changes in equine parasite control that should be considered to reduce the threat of parasite-associated disease and delay the development of further anthelmintic resistance.

Evolutionary genomics of three agricultural pest moths reveals rapid evolution of host adaptation and immune-related genes.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the genotype of pest species provides an important baseline for designing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Recently developed long-read sequence technologies make it possible to compare genomic features of nonmodel pest species to disclose the evolutionary path underlying the pest species profiles. Here we sequenced and assembled genomes for 3 agricultural pest gelechiid moths: Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leafminer), Keiferia lycopersicella (tomato pinworm), and Scrobipalpa atriplicella (goosefoot groundling moth). We also compared genomes of tomato leafminer and tomato pinworm with published genomes of Phthorimaea operculella and Pectinophora gossypiella to investigate the gene family evolution related to the pest species profiles. RESULTS: We found that the 3 solanaceous feeding species, P. absoluta, K. lycopersicella, and P. operculella, are clustered together. Gene family evolution analyses with the 4 species show clear gene family expansions on host plant-associated genes for the 3 solanaceous feeding species. These genes are involved in host compound sensing (e.g., gustatory receptors), detoxification (e.g., ABC transporter C family, cytochrome P450, glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase, insect cuticle proteins, and UDP-glucuronosyl), and digestion (e.g., serine proteases and peptidase family S1). A gene ontology enrichment analysis of rapid evolving genes also suggests enriched functions in host sensing and immunity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results of family evolution analyses indicate that host plant adaptation and pathogen defense could be important drivers in species diversification among gelechiid moths.

Enterobiasis in the hospitalized patient.

A 33-year-old hospitalized patient felt itching around his anus. Tiny white thread-like worms were observed around his perinatal region. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of elongated, one-sided, flattened eggs inside the worm.

Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Parasitic infections are among the most common diseases worldwide, and enterobiasis is a well-known type of parasitic infection in children. Given the existence of several reports on the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in different provinces of Iran and the heterogeneity of the reported prevalence data, this study aims to investigate the overall prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis study involved a comprehensive search of several databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, SID, and Google Scholar, focusing on cross-sectional studies that examined the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection in Iranian children. The identified studies were entered into the EndNote software for review. The quality of observational studies was evaluated using the STROBE checklist. The information extracted from the studies was entered into the Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA, Version 2) software. Heterogeneity among the studies was analyzed using the I2 test, and publication bias was assessed using the Egger test and funnel plot. Results: A total of 51 studies, with a sample size of 46,070 children, were included in the review. Using the random effects method, the overall prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran was determined to be 6.7% (95%CI: 5.2-8.6). The review of the factors affecting study heterogeneity and sample size indicated that as sample size increased, the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran also increased (p = 0.578). Additionally, with an increase in the year of conducting the studies, the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study show a relatively high prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis among children in Iran. We recommend health policymakers recognize the significance of this issue and take necessary measures to reduce the incidence of this infectious agent in children, implementing more effective preventive measures through mass media and educational campaigns.

Feeding preference and intraguild interactions between the parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae and the predator Macrolophus pygmaeus, two biological agents of Tuta absoluta.

BACKGROUND: Tuta absoluta is an exotic species and a major pest of tomato crops in Europe. Macrolophus pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae are two biocontrol agents widely used in integrated pest management programs of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta. In this study, we evaluated under laboratory conditions the (i) voracity of M. pygmaeus females fed on single diets of Tuta absoluta eggs parasitized or unparasitized by Trichogramma achaeae, (ii) voracity and feeding preference of M. pygmaeus females provided with mixed diets of Tuta absoluta eggs unparasitized and parasitized by Trichogramma achaeae and (iii) effect of competitive and intraguild interactions between M. pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae on the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed and/or parasitized. Lastly, we assessed under field conditions the effect of interspecific and intraspecific interactions between natural enemies on the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed and/or parasitized. RESULTS: Macrolophus pygmaeus consumed more unparasitized than parasitized eggs of Tuta absoluta. Under mixed diet regimes, Manly indices revealed a feeding preference for unparasitized eggs, and a decrease in the total number of eggs consumed, as the proportion of available parasitized eggs increased, whereas the unparasitized eggs were consumed in direct proportion to their availability. Conspecific interactions between M. pygmaeus, in contrast to Trichogramma achaeae, revealed the possible occurrence of intraspecific competition. For intraguild heterospecific interactions, the number of Tuta absoluta eggs consumed by M. pygmaeus and parasitized by Trichogramma achaeae was lower than that predicted for additive and non-interactive scenarios. Under field conditions, a significant difference between the conspecific treatment and heterospecific treatments revealed a slightly higher success rate in controlling Tuta absoluta when both M. pygmaeus and Trichogramma achaeae were used simultaneously. CONCLUSION: Macrolophus pygmaeus prefers unparasitized eggs of Tuta absoluta but inflicts intraguild predation on Trichogramma achaeae. In conspecific experiments, mutual interference between M. pygmaeus predators intensifies as the number of individuals increases, but for Trichogramma achaeae, it occurs in an unpredictable manner. Adding Trichogramma achaeae could significantly increase the level of control of Tuta absoluta compared to what could be achieved when only M. pygmaeus is present in glasshouse tomatoes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Multilocular hepatic masses due to Enterobius vermicularis]. / Multilokuläre hepatische Raumforderungen durch Enterobius vermicularis.

Infestation with Enterobius vermicularis involving extraintestinal manifestation is rare. In a 50-year-old man with lower abdominal pain, computed tomography led to a suspected diagnosis of sigmoid carcinoma with liver metastasis. After ruling out colon cancer by endoscopy, laparoscopic resection of one suspected tumor nodule in the liver was performed. Histopathological examination revealed parasitic granulomas containing pinworms. Hematogenous migration was postulated in the setting of phlebitis with thrombosis of the inferior mesenteric vein.

Clinical and Parasitological Evaluation of Ivermectin and Ivermectin + Pyrantel Against Oxyuris Equi in Equines.

The equine pinworm could become an increasingly common problem, as there are reports of failure in the control of this parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ivermectin (IVM) and IVM combined with pyrantel pamoate (PYR). Thirteen parasitological positive equines were treated with oral IVM (200 µg/kg) and therapeutic efficacy, clinical recovery and the egg reappearance period (ERP) were evaluated. In cases for which ERP was shorter than the pre-patent period (PPP), a second treatment was performed with IVM (200 µg/kg) + PYR (6.6 mg/kg), followed by the same evaluation criteria described above. Therapeutic efficacy was 100% with IVM + PYR and 53.84% with IVM. The mean ERP was shorter than the PPP with both formulations, 77.55 days with IVM + PYR and 50 days with IVM. The presence of egg mass was always associated with a least one clinical sign. The reduction in the number of clinical signs per animal from Day 0 to Day 30 was greater in equines treated with IVM + PYR compared to those treated with IVM alone. The animals treated with IVM were 4.5-fold more likely to present clinical signs 30 days after treatment than those treated with IVM+PYR. A negative correlation was found between ERP and the number of clinical signs at 30 days in the animals treated with IVM. This clinical and parasitological evaluation demonstrated that the combination of IVM+PYR was more effective than IVM alone to control Oxyuris equi.

A PCR-based method for the diagnosis of Enterobius vermicularis in stool samples, specifically designed for clinical application.

Background: Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) is a nematode that infects up to 200 million people worldwide, despite effective medications being available. Conventional diagnostic tests are hindered by low sensitivity and poor patient compliance. Furthermore, no biomolecular techniques are available for clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure specifically designed for clinical application to detect E. vermicularis by means of PCR. Materials and methods: Two subject groups were taken into account: a group of 27 infected patients and a control group of 27 healthy subjects. A nested-PCR was performed on fecal samples to detect E. vermicularis. Due to the intrinsic difficulties of the fecal matrix, several countermeasures were adopted to ensure the efficient performance of the method: (a) a large amount of feces for the extraction process (20 g instead of 200 mg); (b) a combination of chemical and physical treatments to grind the fecal matrix; (c) an additional purification process for the negative samples after the first nested-PCR; and (d) the selection of a very specific target region for the PCR. Results: Due to the lack of overlap with other organisms, a sequence of the 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) spacer region including the tract SL1 was chosen to design appropriate external and internal primers. The first nested-PCR detected E.vermicularis in 19/27 samples from infected patients. After further purification, 5/8 of the negative samples resulted positive at the second PCR. Conversely, all the samples from healthy controls resulted negative to both PCRs. Sensitivity and specificity of the method were, respectively, 88.9% and 100%. Conclusion: The results prove the high diagnostic accuracy of the proposed method, addressing and overcoming the challenges posed by both conventional tests and PCR-based approaches. Therefore, the method can be proposed for clinical application.

Is pinworm infection still a public health concern among children in resource-rich regions? Trends in pinworm infection prevalence and associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is a common intestinal parasitic infection in children. A gradual decrease in the prevalence of pinworm infection has been noted in resource-rich settings, such as Taiwan. However, the influence of sociodemographic factors on the temporal trend in pinworm infection rates in children under the current pinworm infection prevention policy in Taiwan is not well characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of pinworm infection prevalence and the associated factors among children in Hualien County, Taiwan. METHODOLOGY: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we included a total of 56,197 students (aged 6-10 years) in grades 1 and 4 in Hualien in 2009-2018. Children were screened for pinworm infection using adhesive cellophane perianal swabs in the routine student health examination. Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with pinworm infection. Associations between dependent and independent variables were measured by odds ratios. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess whether there were significant trends in different stratifications. Variables with P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 56,197 school-age children from grades 1 and 4 during 2009-2018 were included. Young age and male sex were risk factors for pinworm infection (P < 0.001). A negative correlation between body mass index and enterobiasis was observed, and decreased pinworm infection was noted during the study reference period. Children living in suburban and rural areas had higher odds of having a pinworm infection than those living in urban areas (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infection was observed among children in 2009-2018 (P < 0.001). However, there was no obvious change in the pinworm infection rate in rural areas during this period (P = 0.953), and it was higher than that in urban and suburban areas. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of pinworm infection gradually decreased from 2009 to 2018 among school-age children in Hualien. However, there was no declining trend in pinworm infection in rural areas. Young age, male sex, and rural residence were significantly associated with pinworm infection. Pinworm infection remains a major public health concern among children in rural areas of Hualien.

PINWORMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TAXONOMIC BUT NOT FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE GUT MICROBIOME OF WHITE-THROATED WOODRATS (NEOTOMA ALBIGULA).

Vertebrates rely on their gut microbiome for digestion, and changes to gut microbial communities can impact host health. Past work, primarily in model organisms, has revealed that endoparasites disrupt the gut microbiome. Here, using wild-caught white-throated woodrats (Neotoma albigula), we tested whether naturally acquired parasite infections are associated with different microbiome structure and function. We surveyed wild N. albigula in eastern Utah for gastrointestinal parasites in the spring and fall of 2019, using traditional fecal float methods and testing a PCR-based approach to detect infection. We tested whether the host gut microbiome structure and function differed based on infection with the most prevalent parasite, the pinworm Lamotheoxyuris ackerti. In spring, infected and uninfected animals had significantly different microbiomes, but these differences were not detected in the fall. However, for both sampling periods, infection was associated with differences in particular microbial taxa determined by differential abundance analysis. As N. albigula rely on their microbiomes to digest both fiber and the plant defensive compound oxalate, we compared microbiome function by measuring dry matter digestibility and oxalate intake in infected and uninfected animals. Although we expected infected animals to have reduced fiber degradation and oxalate intake, we found no difference in microbiome function using these assays. This work suggests that parasite effects on the microbiome may be difficult to detect in complex natural systems, and more studies in wild organisms are warranted.

The Differential Effects of Tuta absoluta Infestations on the Physiological Processes and Growth of Tomato, Potato, and Eggplant.

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a destructive insect pest toward crops and belongs to the Solanaceae family. Since it was first recorded in South Africa in 2016, the pest has spread extensively and caused tremendous damage to field and tunnel-grown tomato crops. This study aimed to investigate how T. absoluta affects the growth and physiology of three Solanaceae plant species: tomato, potato, and eggplant. These three crops were infested with L1 instar larvae, and their growth and physiology were assessed during insect feeding. The damage to the infested tomato host plant was severe, with T. absoluta destroying 100% of the plants. The tomato plants were distorted 15 days after infestation, that is, before the fruit set. For potato, the defoliation was moderate, but the infested plants produced fewer tubers compared to the uninfested host plants. Eggplant had fewer visible signs of feeding, resulting in no significant difference between the infested and uninfested host plants in terms of growth and physiological functions. Infested tomato and potato plants had stagnant growth, fewer and damaged leaves, a reduced chlorophyll content, a reduced photosynthesis rate, a poor transpiration rate, poor water conductance, and poor intercellular carbon dioxide concentrations. This study closes the knowledge gap on the morphological (growth) and physiological responses of different Solanaceae species to T. absoluta infestation, and it also demonstrates the differential risk of T. absoluta infestations in the production of tomato, potato, and eggplant.

Prevalence and genetic analysis of Enterobius vermicularis in schoolchildren in lower northern Thailand.

Enterobius vermicularis, a nematode parasite with a global distribution causes enterobiasis in schoolchildren and is considered a neglected parasite. An understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of enterobiasis is crucial for appropriate control measures. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to study the prevalence and genetic diversity of E. vermicularis in schoolchildren from lower northern Thailand, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. Using the scotch tape technique, 7.4% (188/2544) of schoolchildren from 21 primary schools were found positive for E. vermicularis eggs, which is a relatively low infection rate. Phylogenetic trees of partial COI sequences (397 bp) revealed similar topologies using maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) methods and identified E. vermicularis type A (105 sequences) and B (1 sequence). Haplotype network analysis of the COI sequences demonstrated a high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.9028). In contrast, phylogenetic analysts of a 343 bp region of the ITS2 locus (52 sequences) revealed a monophyletic group. More sequence analyses of E. vermicularis from humans and other hosts in Thailand are necessary to better understand the genetic diversity of this parasite.

Identification, Microhabitat, and Ecological Niche Prediction of Two Promising Native Parasitoids of Tuta absoluta in Kenya.

Associations between the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and its native parasitoids need to be updated to increase the implementation of pest control strategies. In this study, T. absoluta-infested tomato plants were collected from three regions in Kenya. The emerged parasitoids were identified, and their abundance was correlated with agroecological parameters, viz. cropping systems, and the abundance of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae). The study further conducted a habitat suitability prediction for the identified parasitoids. Two parasitoid species, Bracon nigricans (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Stenomesius sp. near japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) emerged from T. absoluta immature stages, with parasitism rates ranging from 0 to 21% and 0 to 17% respectively. Insecticide application and open field cropping negatively influenced the parasitism by S. sp. nr japonicus. Low occurrence of N. tenuis positively affected B. nigricans parasitism. The predicted occurrence of parasitoid species indicated vast suitable areas for B. nigricans in sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and South America. Low suitability was observed for S. sp. nr japonicus in Africa. Therefore, native parasitoids, especially B. nigricans could be considered for implementation as a biocontrol agent in the Integrated Pest Management program of T. absoluta.

Disentangling thermal effects using life cycle simulation modelling on the biology and demographic parameters of Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, a parasitoid of Tuta absoluta.

Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) (Syn. Apanteles gelechiidivoris) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a konoibiont larval endoparasitoid of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), was imported into Kenya in 2017 for the first classical biological control of T. absoluta in Africa. We determined the thermal thresholds of D. gelechiidivoris, with T. absoluta as host, using life cycle simulation modelling. Life-table data of D. gelechiidivoris were generated at six constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and 12L: 12D photoperiod). Multiple non-linear functions were fitted to model some aspects of the biology of the parasitoid, including its longevity, mortality, reproduction, and senescence using Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software. The phenology models established were used to estimate life table parameters. Except at 35 °C, D. gelechiidivoris completed its development (i.e., egg-larval-pupa-adult) at all tested temperatures. The minimum temperature threshold from egg to cocoon was 7.0 °C and 5.9 °C from cocoon to adult wasp, while the maximum temperature thresholds were 34 °C and 36 °C, respectively. The optimal temperature for immature survival was 20-25 °C, while fecundity was optimum at 22.5 °C, with 69.5 eggs per female. Simulations of the population growth parameters indicated that the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was maximum at 20 °C with 15 daughters per female per generation. Based on our findings the release of D. gelechiidivoris for inoculative augmentation in countries with temperatures ranging between 15 and 30 °C could be considered to control the pest.

Whip- and pinworm infections elicit contrasting effector and distinct regulatory responses in wild house mice.

Infections with high doses of intestinal nematodes result in protective immunity based on robust type 2 responses in most mouse lines under laboratory conditions. Here, we report on cellular responses of wild house mice from northern Germany. We detected robust Th1 responses in wild house mice naturally infected with the whipworm Trichuris muris. In contrast, mice infected with pinworms (Syphacia, Aspiculuris) reported type-2 activity by elevated IgG1 levels and eosinophil counts, but also harbored high frequencies of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, suggesting that natural whip- and pinworm infections induce distinct immunoregulatory as well as effector profiles.

Costs and Prescribing Patterns of Anthelmintics in the United States Military: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recent price increases in medications used to treat helminth infections have had demonstrated impacts on Medicaid and immigrant patient populations. Helminth infections are common within the US military; however, anthelmintic prescribing patterns and costs have not yet been investigated in this patient population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pharmaceutical data from the Military Health System Data Repository between fiscal years 2012 and 2019. Prescription information, including costs and demographics, were abstracted for all anthelmintic medications as well as associated helminth diagnostic codes within 30 days of the prescription dispensing date. RESULTS: On average, there were 10 871 anthelmintic medications prescribed per year, for a total of 86 697 during the study period. Ivermectin and albendazole were each prescribed >34 000 times. There were 15 498 mebendazole prescriptions and 1327 praziquantel prescriptions. The total cost of all anthelmintic prescriptions was $16 018 381. Annual costs for anthelmintic medications increased 16-fold during the study period, up to nearly $5 000 000 in fiscal year 2019, primarily driven by price increases in albendazole and mebendazole. Albendazole prescriptions accounted for $12 282 891 of total costs (76.7%), though only 39.1% of total prescriptions. The most common diagnosis associated with albendazole and mebendazole prescriptions was enterobiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Price increases in anthelmintic medications have significantly impacted the costs borne by the US government for treating parasitic infections. There are a substantial number of anthelmintic prescriptions in the US military health care system annually, suggesting a higher number of helminth infections than previously thought.