Parasitology

Article Parasitology

Comparative proteomic analysis of wall-forming bodies and oocyst wall reveals the molecular basis underlying oocyst wall formation in Eimeria necatrix

Lele Wang, Dandan Liu, Yu Zhu, Feiyan Wang, Weimin Cai, Qianqian Feng, Shijie Su, Zhaofeng Hou, Jinjun Xu, Junjie Hu, Jianping Tao

Summary: This study presents the proteomes of wall-forming bodies (WFBs) and the oocyst wall of Eimeria necatrix, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of oocyst wall formation in Eimeria parasites. The identified proteins offer valuable resources for the development of novel therapeutic agents and vaccines against coccidian transmission.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2023)

Article Parasitology

First Molecular Evidence of Emerging Lophomonas Pathogen Among Patients Suspected of Having Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Hossein Veisi, Abdollah Malakian, Mahdi Fakhar, Ali Sharifpour, Maryam Nakhaei, Mostafa Soleymani, Seyed Reza Mosave, Nader Ahangar, Seyed Hosien Seyedpour

Summary: Out of 210 participants, 67 (31.9%) were infected with Lophomonas spp., 38 (18.1%) had TB (Smear and culture-positive), and 20 (9.5%) had both TB and Lophomonas co-infection. Based on these results, there is a relatively high occurrence of Lophomonas infection among patients suspected of having TB. Accurate and early diagnosis of the parasite in sputum specimens is highly recommended.

ACTA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)

Article Parasitology

Validation of Oxford nanopore sequencing for improved New World Leishmania species identification via analysis of 70-kDA heat shock protein

Luz Helena Patino, Nathalia Ballesteros, Marina Munoz, Jesus Jaimes, Adriana C. Castillo-Castaneda, Roy Madigan, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi, Juan David Ramirez

Summary: The study introduced a new 771 bp HSP70-Long marker based on the 70-kDa heat shock protein gene for accurate identification of diverse Leishmania species and coinfection events in clinical samples. Both the HSP70-Long and HSP70-Short markers demonstrated strong discriminatory capabilities in distinguishing different Leishmania species and detecting instances of coinfection.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Identification of breeding habitats and kdr mutations in Anopheles spp. in South Korea

Hyelee Hong, Tae-Hui Eom, Thuy-Tien Thi Trinh, Bao Duong Tuan, Hyun Park, Seon-Ju Yeo

Summary: This study investigated the breeding sites and genetic diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes in South Korea. Two breeding sites were found and a kdr allele mutant was identified. Continuous monitoring of Anopheles larvae and updating information on breeding sites, as well as understanding the environmental conditions of Anopheles habitats, are necessary for effective malaria control programs.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Article Parasitology

Improved diagnostic sensitivity of human strongyloidiasis using point-of-care mixed recombinant antigen-based immunochromatography

Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew, Lakkhana Sadaow, Penchom Janwan, Rutchanee Rodpai, Oranuch Sanpool, Punyisa Buadee, Chanida Suprom, Tongjit Thanchomnang, Pewpan M. Intapan, Wanchai Maleewong

Summary: This study developed a recombinant antigen-based immunochromatography test (ICT) kit for the detection of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibody. The NIE-SsIR ICT kit provided the best diagnostic results and can be used as a supplementary diagnostic tool and for screening asymptomatic S. stercoralis infection in endemic areas. It can also be used in large-scale sero-epidemiological investigations without the need for additional facilities or supplies.

PARASITE (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Is qPCR always the most sensitive method for malaria diagnostic quality surveillance?

Cristian Koepfli

Summary: In studies evaluating the quality of malaria diagnosis, microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are often compared to PCR. Depending on factors such as sample collection, storage methods, and choice of PCR target, the limit of detection (LOD) of PCR may not always exceed that of microscopy or RDT.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Article Parasitology

A dual-antigen malaria vaccine targeting Pb22 and Pbg37 was able to induce robust transmission-blocking activity

Wenyan Gao, Yue Qiu, Liying Zhu, Xinxin Yu, Fan Yang, Muyan Chen, Gang He, Yinjie Liu, Liwang Cui, Fei Liu, Xiaotong Zhu, Yaming Cao

Summary: Dual-antigen malaria vaccines that target both pre- and post-fertilization antigens can provide a promising higher transmission-reducing activity compared to single antigens.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2023)

Article Parasitology

Detection of IgG Anti-Giardia duodenalis Antibodies in Sera by Indirect Immunofluorescence and Western Blotting Assays

Samara Alves Santos, Joelma Nascimento de Souza, Flavia Thamiris Figueiredo Pacheco, Mariana Conceicao Santos, Darleide dos Santos Novais, Victoria Nascimento Suzart, Isabela dos Santos Guedes, Maena Honda Neves, Maria Aparecida Gomes, Neci Matos Soares, Marcia Cristina Aquino Teixeira

Summary: The performance of IFAT and WB for detecting Giardia antibodies in human sera was evaluated in this study. The results showed that the specificity and sensitivity of Giardia antibodies in serum varied at different dilutions. Low molecular weight polypeptides were identified as the most frequently recognized antigens with a higher correlation to Giardia infection. Proteins found in intestinal amoebas may cause cross-reactivity in serological diagnosis of giardiasis, but this issue can be partially solved using low molecular weight proteins from Giardia.

ACTA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Head-to-head comparison of two loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) kits for diagnosis of malaria in a non-endemic setting

Anna-Clara Ivarsson, Elin Fransen, Ioanna Broumou, Anna Farnert, Kristina E. M. Persson, Sara Karlsson Sobirk

Summary: This study compared the diagnostic performance of two LAMP kits for malaria detection and found that the HumaTurb Loopamp Malaria PDT kit outperformed the Alethia Illumigene Malaria kit.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Article Parasitology

Molecular Characterization of Tick-borne Pathogens in Bactrian Camels and Ticks from Gansu Province, China

Hong-xi Zhao, Xiao-qing Zan, Jin-zhong Tao, Xin-gang Dan

Summary: This study investigated the distribution of tick-borne pathogens among Bactrian camels in Gansu Province, China and found that the ticks collected from the camels carried various pathogens. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further research on the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in Bactrian camels in this region.

ACTA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)

Review Parasitology

Exploring the immune interactions between Oncomelania hupensis and Schistosoma japonicum, with a cross-comparison of immunological research progress in other intermediate host snails

Hongyu Li, Yihan Chen, Yunhuan Zhu, Yilu Feng, Yuncheng Qian, Xiaoyu Ye, Jiatong Xu, Hanyu Yang, Jiawei Yu, Jingyu Chen, Keda Chen

Summary: Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic disease, primarily affects economically underdeveloped tropical regions. Controlling the life cycle of intermediate host snails is crucial for preventing and controlling the disease. Exploring the immune interactions between the snails and schistosomes can provide valuable insights for further research and the development of comprehensive strategies.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2023)

Article Parasitology

Lentinan has a beneficial effect on cognitive deficits induced by chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice

Shuxi Liu, Ziyi Yan, Yuan Peng, Yunqiu Liu, Yiling Li, Daxiang Xu, Yuying Gong, Zeyu Cui, Yongshui Wu, Yumei Zhang, Dahui Wang, Wei Pan, Xiaoying Yang

Summary: The clinical trial conducted in the U.S. shows that Pedmark, an orphan drug being developed by Hepalink USA, demonstrates efficacy in preventing nausea and vomiting in pediatric and adolescent patients. The drug is being used for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2023)

Review Infectious Diseases

Aliphatic Lactones of Natural Origin: Their Toxicological and Behavioral Effects as a Possible Control Strategy for Medical Importance Mosquitoes

Jessica V. Mendoza, Laura V. Harburguer, Paula V. Gonzalez

Summary: This review aimed to gather information on the biological effects of naturally occurring gamma and delta lactones on mosquitoes of sanitary importance. Recent studies showed that gamma-octalactone has a repellent effect on adult female Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, and four other aliphatic lactones also have repellent effects on larvae of the same species and Aedes aegypti. Additionally, some aliphatic lactones were found to have a larvicidal effect in both species.

CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Impact of population based indoor residual spraying in combination with mass drug administration on malaria incidence and test positivity in a high transmission setting in north eastern Uganda

Mulebeke Ronald, Wanzira Humphrey, Yeka Adoke, Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre

Summary: This study evaluated the impact of combining mass drug administration and indoor residual spraying compared to indoor residual spraying alone in a high transmission area in Eastern Uganda.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Plasmodium knowlesi in pig-tailed macaques: a potential new model for malaria vaccine research

Melanie J. Shears, Rebekah A. Reynolds, Caroline J. Duncombe, Felicia N. Watson, Weston J. Staubus, Chris Chavtur, Annette M. Seilie, Tuan M. Tran, Sumana Chakravarty, Stephen L. Hoffman, Sean C. Murphy

Summary: This study evaluated the infection of Plasmodium knowlesi in pig-tailed macaques (PTM) and found that PTM has significant potential as a host for malaria vaccine research. Compared to rhesus macaques, PTM showed lower parasite burdens and a benign disease course during P. knowlesi infection.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Review Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

A historical perspective on arboviruses of public health interest in Southern Africa

Faith T. T. Hungwe, Katherine M. Laycock, Tlhalefo D. Ntereke, Rorisang Mabaka, Giacomo M. Paganotti

Summary: Arboviruses pose an existing and expanding threat globally, with potential devastating impacts on health and socioeconomic conditions. A One Health approach that integrates vector surveillance, rapid disease detection, and innovative prevention and control measures is essential for mitigating this threat. In Southern Africa, limited data and knowledge on arboviral epidemiology, vectors, and hosts hinder an effective response. Further research is needed to fill in the gaps in understanding arboviral distribution, transmission dynamics, and public health impact in the region.

PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH (2023)

Article Parasitology

Infection pattern of Echinorhynchus salobrensis (Acanthocephala) in congeneric species of piranha from a Neotropical floodplain region

Guilherme Pomaro Casali, Joao Otavio Santos Silva, Atsler Luana Lehun, Lidiany Doreto Cavalcanti, Gabriela Michelan, Eloiza Muniz Capparros, Ricardo Massato Takemoto

Summary: This study investigated the distribution of acanthocephalan parasite E. salobrensis in the gastrointestinal tract of the fish species S. maculatus and S. marginatus in the upper Parana River floodplain. The results showed that the invasive species S. marginatus had higher parasite indices of E. salobrensis compared to the native species S. maculatus. Studies on acanthocephalan parasitism in fish in Brazil have mainly focused on fish farms, highlighting the importance of continuing research on acanthocephalans in the parasitology of natural aquatic organisms.

FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)

Article Parasitology

Acanthocephalans of marine and freshwater fishes from Taiwan with description of a new species

Olga Lisitsyna, Daniel Barcak, Martina Orosova, Chia-Kwung Fan, Mikulas Oros

Summary: During an ichthyoparasitological survey in Taiwan from 2017 to 2019, six species of acanthocephalans were discovered, including one new species. Morphological characteristics, microscopy observations, and molecular analysis were used to describe and classify these species.

FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)

Article Infectious Diseases

Amplicon deep sequencing of five highly polymorphic markers of Plasmodium falciparum reveals high parasite genetic diversity and moderate population structure in Ethiopia

Abeba Gebretsadik Reda, Tiffany Huwe, Cristian Koepfli, Ashenafi Assefa, Sofonias Kifle Tessema, Alebachew Messele, Lemu Golassa, Hassen Mamo

Summary: The high level of parasite genetic diversity and moderate population structure in this study suggests frequent gene flow of parasites among sites.

MALARIA JOURNAL (2023)

Article Parasitology

Comparative Analysis of Leishmania major Nucleoside Hydrolases Toward Selecting Multi-target Strategy

Samaneh Farhadi, Mohammad Taghizadeh, Neda Mousavi-Niri, Fahimeh Nemati

Summary: In this study, the protein structures of nucleoside hydrolases (NH) in Leishmania were modeled and compared. The analysis revealed significant differences in sequence, structure, and interacting residues within the substrate-binding pockets among three types of NH enzymes.

ACTA PARASITOLOGICA (2023)