Parasitology

Article Parasitology

Situation of onchocerciasis transmission in 2020 in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso

Kiswendsida Thierry Guiguemde, Patindoilba Marcel Sawadogo, Adama Zida, Apollinaire Kima, Roland Windtare Bougma, Mamadou Serme, Ibrahim Sangare, Clarisse Bougouma, Sanata Bamba

Summary: This study assessed the transmission of onchocerciasis in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso and found that the resumption of ivermectin treatment has significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease since 2011.

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (2024)

Article Parasitology

Isospora juruviarae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from chivi vireos Vireo chivi (Vieillot, 1817) (Passeriformes: Vireonidae) in South America

Lucas de Assis Silva Andrade, Carlos Nei Ortuzar-Ferreira, Mariana de Souza Oliveira, Sergian Vianna Cardozo, Viviane Moreira de Lima, Bruno Pereira Berto

Summary: A new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 has been identified from V. chivi in Southeastern Brazil. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of this new species.

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (2024)

Review Parasitology

Methods for extraction, isolation and sequencing of cyclotides and others cyclic peptides with anti-helminthic activities: An overview

Olivier Ndogo Eteme, Ernestine Nkwengoua Zondegoumba, Yasmin Saegusa Tadayozzi, Jessica Aparecida Serafim, Wendell Queiroz Leite, Mariane de Freitas Genari Severino, Eduardo Festozo Vicente

Summary: The high mortality rate caused by parasitic worms on their hosts is a major concern. Current drugs on the market are often toxic with numerous side effects, necessitating the search for new, more potent molecules. Medicinal plants have been found to contain a wide range of novel molecules that can effectively combat different types of helminths. This review provides an overview of the methods, activities, and mechanisms of action of cyclic peptides, specifically cyclotides, for treating helminthic infections.

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (2024)

Article Parasitology

Effect of light exposure on circadian rhythm in theront excystment in Cryptocaryon irritans

Maho Kotake, Yuho Watanabe, Naoki Itoh, Tomoyoshi Yoshinaga

Summary: This study examined the effects of light exposure on the theront excystment circadian rhythm in Cryptocaryon irritans. The results showed that light reception is essential for circadian rhythm entrainment and both light duration and temperature have an impact on the entrainment of circadian rhythm.

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (2024)

Article Parasitology

Dynamics of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and seroconversion during pregnancy and lactation in naturally infected goats

K. D. Steffen, M. L. Gos, J. M. Unzaga, M. C. Venturini, R. O. Ariasc, G. More

Summary: The dynamics of anti-T. gondii antibodies and seroconversion in naturally infected goats from the last third of pregnancy to 100 days of lactation were evaluated, and their relationship with hematological and dehydration parameters was examined. The results showed that seroconversion occurred in goats of different physiological states and ages, and it was not related to hydration status.

PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL (2024)

Article Parasitology

MiR-4521 affects the propagation of Cryptosporidium parvum in HCT-8 cells through targeting foxm1 by regulating cell apoptosis

Qian Yao, Ying-Ying Fan, Shuang Huang, Gui-Rong Hu, Jun-Ke Song, Xin Yang, Guang-Hui Zhao

Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-4521 was upregulated during C. parvum infection, and this upregulation was related to the TLR/NF-kappa B signal pathway. Additionally, miR-4521 promoted the propagation of C. parvum in HCT-8 cells by regulating BCL2-mediated cell apoptosis through targeting foxm1.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Article Parasitology

Rapid, sensitive, and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum infection based on CRISPR and its application in detection of asymptomatic infection

Minghao Zheng, Mengyao Zhang, Hao Li, Shipo Wu, Yuee Zhao, Jinlong Zhang, Yunyue Zhou, Mohamed Boie Jalloh, Kun Zhang, Lina Chen, Zhiqiang Mi, Yong Cui, Lihua Hou

Summary: Rapid and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite in Africa, is crucial for malaria eradication efforts in medical resource-limited settings. A CRISPR-based diagnostic method that can detect P. falciparum without nucleic acid extraction was developed and showed high sensitivity and consistency with qPCR test. It can also detect artemisinin-resistant strains and other laboratory-cultured strains. This method has great potential for clinical testing and large-scale community screening in Africa and other regions.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Article Infectious Diseases

Original Identifying breeding hosts of Ixodes ricinus ticks using stable isotope analysis of their larvae - Proof of concept

Saana Sipari, Mikko Kiljunen, Minna Nylund, Eva R. Kallio

Summary: This study introduces a stable isotope analysis method to directly identify tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. The results show that stable isotope signatures can reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick.

TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES (2024)

Article Parasitology

Evaluation of parasitic infections with histological and molecular detection in Anoles from St. Kitts

Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj, Timothy Wu, Pompei Bolfa, Allyn Lim, Rebecca Young, Manigandan Lejeune, Jennifer Ketzis

Summary: This study analyzed the parasites of anoles and found that they may serve as hosts for many parasites of public and veterinary health significance. Through histological and molecular evaluation, the presence of different parasites was identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic relationships between parasites from different geographic areas and hosts.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS (2024)

Article Parasitology

Natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs: Determination of viral loads, distributions, localizations, and pathology

Chutchai Piewbang, Panida Poonsin, Pattiya Lohavicharn, Panitnan Punyathi, Sawang Kesdangsakonwut, Tanit Kasantikul, Somporn Techangamsuwan

Summary: This study provides insights into the pathology of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, revealing severe damage to the lungs and involvement of multiple organs. The findings suggest the potential utility of dogs as a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, highlighting the need for further investigation.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Article Parasitology

Factors associated with strongylida infections in sheep on farms in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya

Cherotich J. Tangus, Chege J. Nga'nga, Karanja D. Njuguna, Charles K. Gachuiri, Peter Kimeli

Summary: Gastrointestinal parasite infections are a major limitation to sheep production worldwide, and this study examines the factors associated with strongylida egg counts in sheep on selected farms near Nairobi. The results show that gastrointestinal parasite infections are common in sheep, and farmers should be educated about the importance of appropriate control measures.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS (2024)

Article Parasitology

Retrospective study of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in small ruminants in Grenada, West Indies

Alfred Chikweto, Nicole Beals, Abigail Taylor, Sarah Mcconnell, Caroline Frank, Muhammad I. Bhaiyat

Summary: The present study investigated the prevalence of Oestrus ovis larvae infestation in sheep and goats in Grenada, and found that this infection has a negative impact on the productivity of small ruminants.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS (2024)

Article Parasitology

Diversity and genetic characterization of orthohantavirus from small mammals and humans during 2012-2022 in Hubei Province, Central China

Jin-tao Chen, Jian-bo Zhan, Ming-chao Zhu, Kai-ji Li, Man-qing Liu, Bin Hu, Kun Cai, Hai-rong Xiong, Shu-liang Chen, Wei-long Tan, Liang-jun Chen, Wei Hou

Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and variation of orthohantavirus in rodents and humans in Hubei province, China. It identified the diversity of orthohantaviruses circulating in the region, with the HV004-like subtype being the main genotype in rodents and patients. This highlights the importance of continued attention and research on orthohantaviruses, especially newly identified strains.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Article Parasitology

Morpho-molecular investigation of ectoparasitic infestation of companion animals in Sylhet city, Bangladesh

Jannatul Nyema, Tilak Chandra Nath, Md. Jamal Uddin Bhuiyan, Saiful Islam, Kazi Mehetazul Islam, Samiul Basir, Nilotpal Dey, Tiluttom Bhattacharjee, Dongmin Lee

Summary: This study used morpho-molecular approaches to identify ticks and fleas in companion animals in Bangladesh and found that these ectoparasites pose potential threats to public health. The study also revealed a lack of concern among some animal owners regarding ectoparasitic infestations and related diseases. The findings will provide guidance for epidemiologists and policymakers in the region.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS (2024)

Article Parasitology

Epidemiology of swine cysticercosis in two rural communities of Guatemala

Roderico Hernandez-Chea, Paola Morales-Ramirez, Marisela Hernandez, Alejandro Hun, Ilde Silva, Agnes Fleury, Edda Sciutto

Summary: This study conducted a survey in two villages in Guatemala and found a high prevalence of swine cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium. However, the risk factors associated with cysticercosis were not significant.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS (2024)

Review Parasitology

Looking through the lens of social science approaches: A scoping review of leishmaniases and Chagas disease research

Raissa Nogueira de Brito, Susan Tanner, Julie Velasquez Runk, Juliana Hoyos

Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to identify major research themes and knowledge gaps in the social science literature on leishmaniases or Chagas disease. The findings showed that research in this field mainly focuses on the sociocultural, economic, historical, and political dimensions of the diseases. Future research should pay more attention to how social institutions and economic factors shape disease education, control measures, healthcare access, and quality of life of affected individuals.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Article Parasitology

West Nile virus in Mexico: Why vectors matter for explaining the current absence of epidemics

Fabian Correa-Morales, Cassandra Gonzalez-Acosta, David Ibarra-Ojeda, Miguel Moreno-Garcia

Summary: Since 2002, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been reported in 18 states in Mexico. This paper discusses the proposed hypotheses for the absence of WNV outbreaks in Latin America and provides a context-specific explanation for Mexico.

ACTA TROPICA (2024)

Review Infectious Diseases

Tick-borne pathogens in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence in dromedaries

El-Sayed El-Alfy, Ibrahim Abbas, Somaya Saleh, Rana Elseadawy, Ragab M. Fereig, Mohamed Abdo Rizk, Xuenan Xuan

Summary: Published data on tick-borne pathogens in camels worldwide have been collected, providing an overview of their global prevalence and species diversity. Evidence of natural infection of camels with certain tick-borne pathogens is limited, particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. More research is needed to understand the role of camels in maintaining and transmitting these pathogens.

TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES (2024)

Article Infectious Diseases

Detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species in host-seeking Ixodes species ticks in the United States

Lynn M. Osikowicz, Maria R. Rizzo, Andrias Hojgaard, Sarah E. Maes, Rebecca J. Eisen

Summary: This article describes the prevalence and diversity of Lyme disease in the United States. By using different detection methods, the authors found various species of spirochetes present in specific tick species, revealing the potential transmission of pathogens among ticks.

TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES (2024)

Article Infectious Diseases

Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus among people living with HIV in Brazzaville, Congo and among blood donors in Bamako, Mali

Gervillien Arnold Malonga, Almoustapha Issiaka Maiga, Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda, Mahamadou Saliou, Juth ece Private Malanda-Kiminou, Oumar Dolo, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba, Alhassane Ba, Robert Murphy, Jean Felix Peko, Anne-Genevieve Marcelin, Vincent Calvez, Stephane Marot

Summary: A serological survey in sub-urban areas of the capital cities of Congo and Mali reveals human contact with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) associated with previously described CCHFV risk factors.

TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES (2024)