Experimental parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Vacuum-sealed anaerobic plate culture enhances growth and confluence of Giardia intestinalis trophozoites","authors":"Nor-Athirah Mohd-Najib ,&nbsp;Hasmah Abdullah ,&nbsp;Candy Chuah ,&nbsp;Basripuzi-Nurul-Hayyan Hassan-Basri ,&nbsp;Weng-Kin Wong","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Giardia intestinalis</em> trophozoites, the replicative stage responsible for human giardiasis, require anaerobic settings for microtiter plate culture. However, residual ambient oxygen (AAO₂) within plates and enclosed compartments could hinder consistent confluence. This study evaluated a vacuum-sealed bag (VS) combined with an anaerobic gas generator sachet (AS) (VS + AS) as an alternative culture method to minimize residual AAO₂. The conventional airtight compartment plus AS (AT + AS) served as the reference, while VS without AS (VS–AS) functioned as the negative control. Two-fold serially diluted trophozoites were seeded in 96-well plates, and confluence was scored at 48-, 96-, and 144-h post-seeding using a 5-point scale (0: 0–20 % to 4+: 80–100 %). MTT assays were used to validate the association between seeded cell number and parasite viability, as well as inter-well variation among fully confluent wells. VS + AS cultures achieved ≥3+ confluence within 48 h and maintained this through 96 h, whereas AT + AS required 96–144 h to reach comparable levels. VS–AS consistently showed poor growth. Optimal confluence in the VS + AS system was observed with seeding densities of 6 × 10⁴ to 5 × 10⁵ trophozoites per well. MTT assays confirmed a strong linear correlation between seeded cell number (10³^.⁹–10⁵^.⁷) and OD₅₄₀ readings (r² = 0.98). The inter-well variation among fully confluence wells was below 10 %. In conclusion, the VS + AS system accelerates trophozoite growth and improves reproducibility compared with conventional methods. This approach provides a reliable platform for studying <em>Giardia</em> trophozoite biology and supports the discovery of novel anti-giardial compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 109010"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144992074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unmasking the intestinal impact: Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection induces severe morphological and immunological changes in female C57BL/6 mice","authors":"Paulo Watanabe ,&nbsp;Vivian Fuguhara de Lima ,&nbsp;Amanda Gubert Alves dos Santos ,&nbsp;Lucas Casagrande ,&nbsp;Vinicius Franca Scanavaca ,&nbsp;Priscila Laet Santana ,&nbsp;Roberto Kenji Nakamura Cuman ,&nbsp;Debora de Mello Gonçales Sant Ana ,&nbsp;Gessilda de Alcantara Nogueira-Melo","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondi</em>i), is a common zoonotic disease with a seropositivity rate of up to 60 % in adults. While often asymptomatic, it can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals. Oral transmission is the primary route of infection, leading to intestinal inflammation. This study evaluated morphoquantitative changes in the colons of female C57BL/6 mice acutely infected with <em>T. gondii</em>. Mice were divided into control and infected groups and euthanized five days post-infection for colon collection. Histological analyses quantified intraepithelial lymphocytes, goblet cells, mast cells, and collagen fibres, while immunostaining assessed neurons and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expression. Infected mice exhibited increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and myeloperoxidase activity, alongside a significant reduction in AB-1.0-positive goblet cells, indicating impaired mucus secretion. Notably, the longitudinal muscle layer showed increased thickness, whereas the submucosal layer and crypt depth were reduced. Histopathological evaluation revealed epithelial hyperplasia, mucosal ulceration, and abscess formation. A decrease in myenteric neurons was also observed, although VIP expression remained unchanged. These findings demonstrate that acute T. gondii infection induces substantial alterations in intestinal structure, including immune cell infiltration, goblet cell depletion, and muscle layer remodelling. The reduction in myenteric neurons, despite stable VIP expression, suggests specific neuroimmune interactions in the infected gut. Collectively, this study highlights the profound impact of <em>T. gondii</em> on colonic morphology and function, underscoring the complexity of host–parasite interactions during acute infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109007"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In-vitro experiments suggest Ixodes ricinus nymphs prefer blood with Borrelia infection and low glucocorticoid levels.","authors":"Tosca Vanroy, Bram Catfolis, Elin Verbrugghe, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens, Diederik Strubbe, Frank Pasmans, An Martel, Siska Croubels, Marc Cherlet, Lander Baeten","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108999","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, impacting both human and animal health. Understanding the factors influencing tick feeding preferences is crucial for mitigating the risk of tick-borne diseases. This study investigates the blood preference of Ixodes ricinus nymphs, focusing on host species, stress hormone levels (glucocorticoids), and the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. We conducted three series of in vitro experiments using a setup where individual blood drops (15 μl) were placed on filter paper over a 37 °C plate. Ticks were placed in the center, and their movements were tracked for 2 min to record preferences. The first experiment tested preferences for blood from different hosts (mouse, bird, sheep). The second examined the role of stress hormones by offering blood with varying levels of added cortisol and corticosterone (0, 10, 100, 1000 ng/ml). The third experiment investigated the potential influence of Borrelia infection, combined with elevated stress hormone levels, on blood preference. Our results show that I. ricinus nymphs preferred blood without added glucocorticoids and, in mice, blood with Borrelia infection. No clear preference for a specific host species was observed. These findings offer insights into how host physiological state may affect tick host selection, even though I. ricinus may not always have the opportunity to choose between hosts. Future studies should explore these interactions in more biologically relevant models to better understand the dynamics of tick attachment and feeding. Unraveling these mechanisms could aid in developing new strategies to control tick-borne diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"108999"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A low-cost house eave screening technique complements insecticide-treated nets in reducing indoor human exposure to the bites of anopheles mosquitoes in a malaria endemic area of south forested Cameroon: results from a pilot study","authors":"Rosine Danale Metitsi Tesongang ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Elanga-Ndille ,&nbsp;Glwadys Cheteug Nguetsa ,&nbsp;Herman Parfait Awono-Ambene ,&nbsp;Abraham Fomena ,&nbsp;Raymond Tabue ,&nbsp;Cyrille Ndo","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Currents insecticide-based vector control strategies are struggling to reduce malaria transmission. This pilot study investigated the potential of a low-cost eave screening technique to reduce human exposure to malaria vectors in a forested area of Cameroon. The pre-intervention phase consisted of collecting baseline data on malaria epidemiology including the human malaria prevalence, vector biology and the bio-efficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). During the intervention phase, selected houses were improved by screening open eaves with wire insect mesh stapled to wood lathe strips that were attached to the exterior walls. Neighbouring unscreened houses were used as the control. In the post-intervention phase, entomological parameters of malaria transmission were assessed again and compared between improved and unimproved houses. In addition, the cost, community perceptions and the durability of the intervention were evaluated. Prior to the intervention, the prevalence of malaria in human was 38.85 %, while the entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was 73 infected bites per person per year (ib/p/y). <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> s.l. was the major local vector and was full susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl but resistant to bendiocarb and pyrethroids insecticides. The possession and use ITNs were 89.62 % and 79 %, respectively. Only the pyrethroid + PBO ITNs were effective against the local <em>An. gambiae</em> s.l. population. The intervention led to a 5.5-fold reduction in the EIR in improved houses (from 37.70 to 6.90 ib/p/y), was cost-effective ($23.6 spent per modified house) and was highly appreciated by community beneficiaries since it improved their wellbeing. This pilot study employed a low-cost house improvement technique that can be integrated with other vector control strategies in malaria endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109006"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144894879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Indigenous African chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) lack an anti-Trypanosoma factor and have a prospect for zoonotic transmission of African trypanosomiasis","authors":"Gideon Ibrahim Joseph ,&nbsp;Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>African trypanosomes evade host immune response through antigenic variation and utilize other immune modulatory mechanisms to survive in the immunologically hostile mammalian bloodstream. However, indigenous African chicken (<em>Gallus gallus domesticus</em>) exhibits lower susceptibility to trypanosomes, suggesting unique resistance mechanisms; but the exact factor(s) of resistance remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed resistance of indigenous African chickens to <em>T. brucei brucei</em> infection, and to assess their potential role as cryptic reservoirs in zoonotic transmission. Non-immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed chickens were intravenously inoculated with ∼2.5 × 10⁸ parasites, and parasitemia was monitored using microscopy, xenodiagnosis, and PCR. Rats served as controls and were intraperitoneally infected with 10⁴ parasites. Haematological parameters in both chickens and rats were assessed using standard methods. Furthermore, <em>in vitro</em> anti-<em>Trypanosoma</em> activity of normal and infected chicken blood components was evaluated. The results reveal that chickens displayed no microscopic parasitemia beyond 9 h post-infection (pi) and survived beyond 60 days, whereas rats passaged with over 10⁴-folds less trypanosomes developed parasitemia at day 5, which progressed and killed the rats between days 10–19. Further, while there were no significant haematological alterations over a 4-week observation period in the chicken, infected rats presented significant reductions in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell counts at peak infection, indicating anaemia sequelae. Additionally, infected rats exhibited neutropenia, lymphocytosis, increased hemolysis and mortality. Intriguingly, despite the observed trypanosomes suppression in chickens, incubation of trypanosomes with chicken blood, serum, or plasma revealed no intrinsic anti-<em>Trypanosoma</em> activity. But blood collected from infected chickens at 1- and 7-days post-infection successfully initiated infection in rats through xenodiagnosis, confirming transmissibility despite the absence of detectable parasitemia in chickens revealing a covert but potentially infectious state. Similarly, PCR detection at 7 dpi, indicated covert/suppressed infection. These findings suggest that indigenous African chickens, while resistant to overt trypanosomiasis, may act as cryptic reservoirs for <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp., potentially facilitating parasite zoonotic transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109002"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144892912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Laparoscopic surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis in Uzbekistan: Outcomes and implementation challenges of minimally invasive surgery","authors":"Sapaev Duschan Shukhratovich ,&nbsp;Yakubov Farkhod Radjabovich ,&nbsp;Ruzibaev Rashid Yusupovich ,&nbsp;Babajanov Kudratbek Bakhtiyarovich ,&nbsp;Ruzmetov Navruzbek Alisherovich ,&nbsp;Rakhimov Dadakhon Djalaladinovich ,&nbsp;Matkurbonov Navruz Odilbek ogli ,&nbsp;Khayitboeva Komila Khujayazovna ,&nbsp;Sharipova Aziza Umarovna","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Liver echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant public health concern in Uzbekistan, particularly in rural agricultural communities. While open surgery has traditionally been the primary treatment, it is associated with prolonged recovery and higher complication rates. This study aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in managing liver echinococcosis in Uzbekistan. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 120 patients who underwent either laparoscopic (n = 60) or open surgery (n = 60) between 2020 and 2024 at three tertiary medical centers. Key parameters included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain (VAS), hospital stay, complication rates, and recurrence. The laparoscopic group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (95 vs. 130 min; p &lt; 0.001), reduced blood loss (80 vs. 180 mL; p &lt; 0.001), lower pain scores (3.2 vs. 6.7; p &lt; 0.001), and shorter hospital stays (4.1 vs. 10.3 days; p &lt; 0.001). Complication rates were also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (6.7 % vs. 18.3 %; p = 0.045), while recurrence rates showed no significant difference after one year (3.3 % vs. 5.0 %; p = 0.65). These findings suggest that laparoscopic surgery offers substantial advantages over open surgery in terms of safety, recovery, and resource utilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"277 ","pages":"Article 109005"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis (Spreng) R. M. King & H. Rob (Asteraceae) on Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)","authors":"Sâmia F. Silva ,&nbsp;Fernanda Batista-Santos ,&nbsp;Thiago Santos ,&nbsp;Débora M. Lima ,&nbsp;Raquel MF. Sousa ,&nbsp;Ricardo A. Barata","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Brazil, <em>Leishmania infantum</em> is transmitted mainly through the bite of the sand fly <em>Lutzomyia longipalpis</em>, the main visceral leishmaniasis (VL) vector. Although the most common vector control strategy is the application of synthetic insecticides, growing resistance to these products has sparked interest in developing new alternatives. In this context, plants emerge as a viable possibility due to the diversity of secondary metabolites with insecticidal potential. This work aimed to chemically characterize the essential oil of <em>Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis</em> and evaluate its toxicity on <em>L. longipalpis</em>. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus from fresh leaves of <em>P. brasiliensis</em> and chemically analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the bioassay, sand flies were collected in the field and then exposed to different concentrations of the essential oil (2.5, 5.0 and 10 mg mL⁻¹), also being used in the negative and positive control group. The mortality rate was assessed at established times. GC-MS analysis of essential oil of the <em>P. brasiliensis</em> identified 49 compounds with the predominance of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. α-Pinene and isobicyclogermacrenal as the main constituents of the relative peak area of the total ion chromatogram with 17.9 and 13.3 %, respectively. The bioassay showed toxicity of <em>P. brasiliensis</em> essential oil on <em>L. longipalpis</em> at all concentrations evaluated, showing it to be a promising natural insecticide to be used in vector control of VL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109004"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144885514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke; a case-control study in northeastern Iran","authors":"Amirali Ghahremani ,&nbsp;Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad ,&nbsp;Reza shafiei","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma <em>gondii</em> (T. <em>gondii</em>), a neurotropic protozoan associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and its influence on clinical outcomes. This case-control study included 100 AIS patients at Imam Hassan Hospital, Bojnourd. Stroke severity was assessed using the NIHSS on days one and seven post-admission. Disability was evaluated three months post-discharge with the mRS. A control group of 100 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals was included. Serum samples were tested for anti-T. <em>gondii</em> IgG and IgM antibodies using indirect ELISA. IgG avidity was measured with modified ELISA using urea treatment. No significant difference was observed in anti-Toxoplasma <em>gondii</em> IgG seroprevalence between AIS patients (48 %) and controls (35 %, <em>P</em> = 0.084), with all subjects seronegative for IgM. However, seropositive AIS patients had significantly higher 3-month mRS scores, indicating greater disability. Anti-T. <em>gondii</em> IgG levels were significantly elevated in the AIS group and correlated with higher 24-h NIHSS scores, reflecting increased stroke severity. No differences in IgG avidity were found. Although our findings do not establish T. <em>gondii</em> infection as a direct risk factor for AIS, they suggest a potential role in disease pathogenesis and outcomes. However, further studies are needed to validate these observations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109003"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144879368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary evaluation of the recombinant Sj14-3-3 protein as an immunodiagnostic antigen for schistosomiasis","authors":"Kevin Austin L. Ona ,&nbsp;Jose Ma M. Angeles ,&nbsp;Elena A. Villacorte ,&nbsp;Katrina Theresa M. Balboa ,&nbsp;Atcharaphan Wanlop ,&nbsp;Adrian Miki C. Macalanda ,&nbsp;Pilarita T. Rivera ,&nbsp;Shin-ichiro Kawazu","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exploring molecular targets for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis has been a key priority in <em>Schistosoma japonicum</em> research. In this study, the antigenicity of recombinant Sj14-3-3 protein (rSj14-3-3) was evaluated using sera from schistosome-infected subjects. rSj14-3-3 was expressed and subsequently analyzed <em>via</em> SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Its antigenicity was then tested with sera from schistosome-infected mice and humans through ELISA. Results showed that rSj14-3-3 had significant antigenicity when tested with infected mice sera (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) and human sera (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) compared to negative controls. These findings suggest that rSj14-3-3 could serve as an alternative diagnostic antigen for schistosomiasis. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully evaluate its immunodiagnostic potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109000"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of three Schistosoma mansoni strains: Infection, morphometry and susceptibility to treatment","authors":"Marilia Bergamini Valentini,&nbsp;Tiago Manuel Fernandes Mendes,&nbsp;Silmara Marques Allegretti","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Different <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> strains exhibit distinct phenotypes, influencing parasite distribution, control strategies, and therapeutic alternatives for schistosomiasis. This study compared three Brazilian strains: Belo Horizonte/MG (SmBH), Ilha das Flores/SE (SmSE), and São José dos Campos/SP (SmSJ). To understand differences in infection, morphometry and response to praziquantel (PZQ) treatment, BALB/c mice were infected with each strain and treated 45 days post-infection (dpi) with praziquantel (PZQ) in different dosages. Egg elimination was monitored weekly from 30 dpi and euthanasia was performed 60 dpi. Untreated groups showed SmBH with the highest infection rates, with a larger number of recovered worms and a greater number of eggs. Morphometric analysis showed that SmSE females were significantly longer, while SmBH eggs were larger. Granuloma size was similar in SmBH- and SmSJ-infected mice, but SmSE-induced granulomas were smaller. SmBH infection resulted in a greater number of granulomas, suggesting higher pathogenicity. PZQ treatment at 150 or 300 mg/kg significantly reduced parasite burden, fecal egg count, and hepatic/intestinal granulomas in SmBH- and SmSJ-infected mice. SmBH infection also showed fewer immature and mature eggs and more dead eggs after treatment. However, SmSE-infected mice exhibited no significant differences between treated and untreated groups, suggesting higher resistance/tolerance to PZQ. These findings highlight phenotypic differences among <em>S</em>. <em>mansoni</em> strains: SmBH produced and retained more eggs, aggravating pathology; SmSJ had the lowest egg production; SmSE showed the highest resistance to PZQ. Understanding strain variability is crucial for improving schistosomiasis control and advancing drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 109001"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144821002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}