Prevalence and identification of zoonotic haemoparasites on bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) as potential vectors for diseases in humans

Frogs are an essential part of our ecosystem, but they are affecting humans through zoonotic diseases, and their numbers are also declining all over the planet. The primary reasons are natural changes and microorganisms. We aimed to find the possible cause of their decline and the diseases they spread in the surrounding environment. Haemoparasites can also be a significant cause of diseases in frogs, which later on become vectors for diseases in humans. Among 34 frogs, 15 were infected with Lankestrella sp and Lieshmania sp., while 19 were uninfected. Males have a higher rate of infection than females, with a ratio of 8:7, while mature frogs were more infected than immature. complete blood count (CBC) reports showed that the infected frogs were anaemic. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the health status of bullfrogs in the Cholistan Desert and contribute to the understanding of the dynamics of hemoparasite infections in humans. This information is crucial for developing appropriate conservation strategies, and management plans to protect the bullfrogs from declining and spreading diseases as well as their habitat in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of continued monitoring and surveillance of hemoparasites in amphibian populations from both ecological and public health perspectives.