MULTIFACETED PERSPECTIVE ON COENURUS CEREBRALIS IN TURKEY IN THE LAST 5 YEARS: A REVIEW OF CLINICAL, MOLECULAR, AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Coenurus cerebralis, the larval stage of Taenia multiceps, is a significant neurotropic cestode that causes severe neurological disorders in both domestic and wild animals and poses zoonotic threats. In recent years, the number of studies on this parasite in Türkiye has increased, addressing coenurosis from clinical, molecular, serological, pathological, and ecological perspectives. This review systematically evaluates scientific publications from 2019 to 2025, providing a contemporary overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, host diversity, and control strategies concerning C. cerebralis infections in Türkiye.The reviewed studies report the presence of multiple genetic haplotypes within the same host, seasonal and demographic risk factors affecting prevalence, and advanced diagnostic approaches such as PCR-based techniques, Western blot analysis, and promising biomarkers like GFAP and S100B. Cases observed in wild species such as mountain goats also suggest that physiological stress may trigger latent infections. Surgical interventions and serological screenings demonstrate practical applicability in field settings.This review underscores the urgent need for extensive molecular surveillance, diagnostic tools based on recombinant antigens, and integrated control programs involving both domestic and wild hosts. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations is critical to limit the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on veterinary public health.