Molecular differentiation of Opisthorchis felineus and Metorchis bilis in cyprinid fish from Northern Kazakhstan: Epidemiological insights and diagnostic advances

This study provides the first molecular confirmation of <i>O. felineus</i> and <i>M. bilis</i> in freshwater fish of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan. The developed multiplex PCR assay offers a sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for species-level differentiation. These findings highlight moderate to high prevalence in local fish, underline the zoonotic risks associated with fish consumption, and emphasize the need for integrated One Health surveillance to inform control strategies and food safety policies.