Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-31DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108999
Tosca Vanroy, Bram Catfolis, Elin Verbrugghe, Kris Verheyen, Luc Lens, Diederik Strubbe, Frank Pasmans, An Martel, Siska Croubels, Marc Cherlet, Lander Baeten
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.
{"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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-23DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109006
Rosine Danale Metitsi Tesongang , Emmanuel Elanga-Ndille , Glwadys Cheteug Nguetsa , Herman Parfait Awono-Ambene , Abraham Fomena , Raymond Tabue , Cyrille Ndo
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). Anopheles gambiae 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 An. gambiae 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.
{"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 , Emmanuel Elanga-Ndille , Glwadys Cheteug Nguetsa , Herman Parfait Awono-Ambene , Abraham Fomena , Raymond Tabue , 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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109002
Gideon Ibrahim Joseph , Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim , Emmanuel Oluwadare Balogun
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 (Gallus gallus domesticus) 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 T. brucei brucei 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, in vitro anti-Trypanosoma 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-Trypanosoma 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 Trypanosoma spp., potentially facilitating parasite zoonotic transmission.
{"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 , Mohammed Auwal Ibrahim , 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 × 10<sup>8</sup> parasites, and parasitemia was monitored using microscopy, xenodiagnosis, and PCR. Rats served as controls and were intraperitoneally infected with 10<sup>4</sup> 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 10<sup>4</sup>-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}
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 < 0.001), reduced blood loss (80 vs. 180 mL; p < 0.001), lower pain scores (3.2 vs. 6.7; p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stays (4.1 vs. 10.3 days; p < 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.
由细粒棘球绦虫引起的肝棘球蚴病仍然是乌兹别克斯坦的一个重大公共卫生问题，特别是在农村农业社区。虽然开放手术传统上是主要的治疗方法，但它与恢复时间较长和并发症发生率较高有关。本研究旨在评估乌兹别克斯坦腹腔镜手术治疗肝包虫病的安全性、有效性和临床结果。对2020年至2024年间在三家三级医疗中心接受腹腔镜手术（n = 60）或开放式手术（n = 60）的120例患者进行了回顾性队列分析。关键参数包括手术时间、术中出血量、术后疼痛（VAS）、住院时间、并发症发生率和复发率。腹腔镜组明显缩短手术时间（95 vs 130分钟；p < 0.001），减少出血量（80 vs 180 mL; p < 0.001），降低疼痛评分（3.2 vs 6.7; p < 0.001），缩短住院时间（4.1 vs 10.3天；p < 0.001）。腹腔镜组并发症发生率明显低于腹腔镜组（6.7% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.045），术后1年复发率无显著差异（3.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.65）。这些发现表明，腹腔镜手术在安全性、恢复和资源利用方面比开放手术有实质性的优势。
{"title":"Laparoscopic surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis in Uzbekistan: Outcomes and implementation challenges of minimally invasive surgery","authors":"Sapaev Duschan Shukhratovich , Yakubov Farkhod Radjabovich , Ruzibaev Rashid Yusupovich , Babajanov Kudratbek Bakhtiyarovich , Ruzmetov Navruzbek Alisherovich , Rakhimov Dadakhon Djalaladinovich , Matkurbonov Navruz Odilbek ogli , Khayitboeva Komila Khujayazovna , 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 < 0.001), reduced blood loss (80 vs. 180 mL; p < 0.001), lower pain scores (3.2 vs. 6.7; p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stays (4.1 vs. 10.3 days; p < 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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-19DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109004
Sâmia F. Silva , Fernanda Batista-Santos , Thiago Santos , Débora M. Lima , Raquel MF. Sousa , Ricardo A. Barata
In Brazil, Leishmania infantum is transmitted mainly through the bite of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, 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 Pseudobrickellia brasiliensis and evaluate its toxicity on L. longipalpis. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus from fresh leaves of P. brasiliensis 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 P. brasiliensis 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 P. brasiliensis essential oil on L. longipalpis at all concentrations evaluated, showing it to be a promising natural insecticide to be used in vector control of VL.
在巴西，婴儿利什曼原虫主要通过沙蝇的叮咬传播，沙蝇是利什曼病的主要内脏媒介。虽然最常见的病媒控制策略是使用合成杀虫剂，但对这些产品日益增长的抗药性引发了开发新替代品的兴趣。在这种情况下，由于具有杀虫潜力的次生代谢物的多样性，植物成为一种可行的可能性。本研究旨在对巴西刺槐挥发油进行化学性质表征，并评价其对长掌松毛虫的毒性。采用Clevenger蒸馏装置从巴西青叶中提取精油，并采用气相色谱-质谱联用（GC-MS）进行化学分析。为了进行生物测定，在野外收集沙蝇，然后暴露于不同浓度的精油（2.5,5.0和10 mg mL - 1），也用于阴性和阳性对照组。在确定的时间评估死亡率。GC-MS分析鉴定出49种化合物，以单萜类、倍半萜类和二萜类为主。α-蒎烯和异双环大肾是总离子色谱相对峰面积的主要成分，分别占17.9%和13.3%。生物测定结果表明，在不同浓度下，巴西木挥发油对长掌螨均有一定的毒性，是一种很有前途的天然杀虫剂，可用于病媒防治。
{"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 , Fernanda Batista-Santos , Thiago Santos , Débora M. Lima , Raquel MF. Sousa , 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<sup>−1</sup>), 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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-18DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109003
Amirali Ghahremani , Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad , Reza shafiei
This study examined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), 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. gondii 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 gondii IgG seroprevalence between AIS patients (48 %) and controls (35 %, P = 0.084), with all subjects seronegative for IgM. However, seropositive AIS patients had significantly higher 3-month mRS scores, indicating greater disability. Anti-T. gondii 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. gondii 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.
{"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 , Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad , 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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109000
Kevin Austin L. Ona , Jose Ma M. Angeles , Elena A. Villacorte , Katrina Theresa M. Balboa , Atcharaphan Wanlop , Adrian Miki C. Macalanda , Pilarita T. Rivera , Shin-ichiro Kawazu
Exploring molecular targets for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis has been a key priority in Schistosoma japonicum 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 via 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 (P < 0.05) and human sera (P < 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.
{"title":"Preliminary evaluation of the recombinant Sj14-3-3 protein as an immunodiagnostic antigen for schistosomiasis","authors":"Kevin Austin L. Ona , Jose Ma M. Angeles , Elena A. Villacorte , Katrina Theresa M. Balboa , Atcharaphan Wanlop , Adrian Miki C. Macalanda , Pilarita T. Rivera , 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> < 0.05) and human sera (<em>P</em> < 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}
Pub Date : 2025-08-09DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109001
Marilia Bergamini Valentini, Tiago Manuel Fernandes Mendes, Silmara Marques Allegretti
Different Schistosoma mansoni 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 S. mansoni 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.
不同的曼氏血吸虫株表现出不同的表型，影响寄生虫的分布、控制策略和血吸虫病的治疗方案。本研究比较了3种巴西菌株：Belo Horizonte/MG （SmBH）、Ilha das Flores/SE （SmSE）和s o jos dos Campos/SP （SmSJ）。为了解BALB/c小鼠感染、形态及对吡喹酮（PZQ）治疗的反应差异，分别感染各菌株，并在感染后45天给予不同剂量的吡喹酮（PZQ）治疗。每周从30 dpi开始监测卵子清除，60 dpi进行安乐死。未处理组显示SmBH感染率最高，恢复的蠕虫数量和卵数量较多。形态计量学分析表明，SmSE雌虫明显较长，而SmBH雌虫的卵较大。SmBH-和smsj感染小鼠的肉芽肿大小相似，但smse诱导的肉芽肿较小。SmBH感染导致肉芽肿数量较多，提示致病性较高。150或300 mg/kg的PZQ治疗显著降低了SmBH-和smsj感染小鼠的寄生虫负担、粪卵数量和肝脏/肠道肉芽肿。SmBH感染治疗后未成熟卵和成熟卵较少，死卵较多。然而，smse感染小鼠在治疗组和未治疗组之间没有显着差异，表明对PZQ有更高的抗性/耐受性。这些发现突出了曼氏链球菌菌株之间的表型差异：SmBH产生并保留了更多的卵子，加重了病理；SmSJ的产蛋量最低；SmSE对PZQ的抗性最高。了解菌株变异对改善血吸虫病控制和推进药物开发至关重要。
{"title":"Comparison of three Schistosoma mansoni strains: Infection, morphometry and susceptibility to treatment","authors":"Marilia Bergamini Valentini, Tiago Manuel Fernandes Mendes, 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}
Pub Date : 2025-07-31DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108991
Priyanka Agarwal , David D. N’Da , C. Johan van der Westhuizen , Robyn L. van Zyl
Malaria continues to pose a major global health burden affecting millions annually. Despite advancements in treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains has undermined current treatment strategies, including atovaquone. Atovaquone is a key mitochondrial inhibitor targeting the cytochrome bc1 (cyt bc1) complex, with resistance primarily driven by mutation in the cytochrome b gene. Moreover, atovaquone's reliance on a single target site and its pharmacokinetic limitations further underscore the urgent need for alternative drugs. To address these challenges, this dual in vitro and in silico study evaluated ten 1,4-naphthoquinone-1,2,3-triazole hybrids targeting atovaquone-resistant (FCR3) P. falciparum. Molecular modelling studies were performed on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PDB ID 3CX5), involving the building of a mutant model to simulate the Y279S mutation (equivalent to Y268S mutation in P. falciparum), in order to rationalise the observed results. Additionally, pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness of these hybrids were predicted in silico. Hybrids D12 and D13 exhibited strong antiplasmodial activities, 61- and 52-fold, respectively, more than atovaquone. Molecular modelling studies indicated a strong correlation between in silico and in vitro activities by displaying binding interactions between the ligand and the mutant model. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) analysis identified key structural features essential for favourable binding interactions with target binding site residues. Furthermore, in silico evaluations of these hybrids suggested good oral bioavailability and high gastrointestinal absorption, with no significant risk of severe toxicity. Hybrids D12 and D13 exhibit potential as lead candidates, with their strong in vitro efficacy well-supported by in silico data, warranting further optimisation and development.
疟疾继续造成重大的全球健康负担，每年影响数百万人。尽管在治疗方面取得了进展，但耐药疟原虫菌株的出现破坏了目前的治疗策略，包括阿托伐醌。Atovaquone是一种针对细胞色素bc1 （cyt bc1）复合物的关键线粒体抑制剂，其耐药性主要由细胞色素b基因突变驱动。此外，阿托伐酮对单一靶点的依赖及其药代动力学的局限性进一步强调了替代药物的迫切需要。为了应对这些挑战，这项体外和计算机双试验评估了10个针对阿托伐醌耐药（FCR3）恶性疟原虫的1,4-萘醌-1,2,3-三唑杂交体。我们对酿酒酵母（PDB ID 3CX5）进行了分子模型研究，包括建立一个突变模型来模拟Y279S突变（相当于恶性疟原虫中的Y268S突变），以使观察到的结果合理化。此外，用计算机预测了这些杂交种的药代动力学性质和药物相似性。D12和D13表现出较强的抗疟原虫活性，分别是阿托伐醌的61倍和52倍。分子模型研究表明，通过显示配体和突变模型之间的结合相互作用，在硅和体外活性之间存在很强的相关性。结构-活性关系（SAR）分析确定了与目标结合位点残基有利的结合相互作用所必需的关键结构特征。此外，这些混合物的计算机评价表明，良好的口服生物利用度和高胃肠道吸收，没有严重毒性的显著风险。杂种D12和D13表现出作为主要候选物的潜力，其强大的体外功效得到了硅数据的支持，值得进一步优化和开发。
{"title":"A dual In vitro and In silico approach to evaluate 1,4-naphthoquinone-1,2,3-triazole hybrids against atovaquone-resistant malaria","authors":"Priyanka Agarwal , David D. N’Da , C. Johan van der Westhuizen , Robyn L. van Zyl","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.108991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria continues to pose a major global health burden affecting millions annually. Despite advancements in treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant <em>Plasmodium</em> strains has undermined current treatment strategies, including atovaquone. Atovaquone is a key mitochondrial inhibitor targeting the cytochrome <em>bc</em><sub>1</sub> (cyt <em>bc</em><sub>1</sub>) complex, with resistance primarily driven by mutation in the cytochrome <em>b</em> gene. Moreover, atovaquone's reliance on a single target site and its pharmacokinetic limitations further underscore the urgent need for alternative drugs. To address these challenges, this dual <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em> study evaluated ten 1,4-naphthoquinone-1,2,3-triazole hybrids targeting atovaquone-resistant (FCR3) <em>P. falciparum</em>. Molecular modelling studies were performed on <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> (PDB ID <span><span>3CX5</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>), involving the building of a mutant model to simulate the Y279S mutation (equivalent to Y268S mutation in <em>P. falciparum</em>), in order to rationalise the observed results. Additionally, pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness of these hybrids were predicted <em>in silico</em>. Hybrids <strong>D12</strong> and <strong>D13</strong> exhibited strong antiplasmodial activities, 61- and 52-fold, respectively, more than atovaquone. Molecular modelling studies indicated a strong correlation between <em>in silico</em> and <em>in vitro</em> activities by displaying binding interactions between the ligand and the mutant model. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) analysis identified key structural features essential for favourable binding interactions with target binding site residues. Furthermore, <em>in silico</em> evaluations of these hybrids suggested good oral bioavailability and high gastrointestinal absorption, with no significant risk of severe toxicity. Hybrids <strong>D12</strong> and <strong>D13</strong> exhibit potential as lead candidates, with their strong <em>in vitro</em> efficacy well-supported by <em>in silico</em> data, warranting further optimisation and development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"276 ","pages":"Article 108991"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768560","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}
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