Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

Background: Lungworm infection, caused by a nematode parasite, leads to bronchitis or pneumonia, high-mortality rates in cattle, and significant economic losses.

Objectives: This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of bovine lungworm and identify potential risk factors in Haramaya town, Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed from December 2023 to April 2024, with animals selected using a simple random sampling method. Prevalence and associated risk factors were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests in Stata Version 17.

Results: A total of 384 cattle fecal samples were collected and analyzed in the Haramaya veterinary parasitology laboratory for larvae identification. Of these samples, 16 (4.2%) tested positive for lungworm infection. Logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between the disease and factors such as age, body condition, and management systems (p ≤ 0.05). The prevalence of lungworm infection was significantly higher in cattle with poor body condition (8.7%) than those in good condition (3.6% and 1.4%). Cattle with poor body condition were 0.6 times more likely (OR = 0.6, C I = 0.308-1.16) to be infected than those with good body condition. Cattle in extensive management systems had 4.26 times higher odds (OR = 4.26, C I = 1.16-15.62) of being infected compared with those in intensive management systems. Furthermore, young cattle were 0.23 times more likely (OR = 0.23, C I = 0.078-0.7) to be infected than adults.

Conclusions: The relatively low prevalence of bovine lungworm in this region carries notable economic consequences. To mitigate these impacts, preventive measures such as vaccination and deworming should be implemented.

The emergence of anthelmintic resistance calls for the development of alternatives, including medicinal plant extracts. The present study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of chitosan-encapsulated bromelain (EB) as an oral solution drug against GIN in goats. Standard methods were followed to extract bromelain from the pineapple peels and the conventional manufacturing procedure used to make an oral solution of EB. The in vivo study was performed on 20 healthy male goats that were naturally infected with GIN. The goats were randomly divided into four groups, each of which consisted of three treatment groups: 90 and 270 mg/kg EB, 7.5 mg/kg albendazole, and negative control. The oral solution of EB was administered orally once daily for a period of 3 days. The fecal egg counts (FECs) were undertaken using a McMaster technique. The goats were monitored for clinical signs on a daily basis, and their body weight was reported on a weekly basis. Weekly blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferases (ASTs), alanine aminotransferases (ALTs), urea, and creatinine. The goats were sacrificed and assessed for gross and histopathology analyses. The results showed that at 28 days' posttreatment there was a significantly higher reduction of FEC of albendazole (98.58%) and 270 mg/kg (81.73%) groups than 90 mg/kg (59.84%). No clinical manifestations or mortality were observed in the goats during the monitoring period. All animals exhibited normal levels of PCV, AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea. The pathology findings also revealed no toxic effects on the goat organs. In conclusion, the oral solution of EB was effective in reducing the GIN burden and safe for use in goats. Further investigations are essential to establish better formulation and adjusting the dosage regimens to increase the efficacy on GIN.

Freshwater pulmonate snails are prevalent across Kenya and act as intermediate hosts for trematode parasites, some of which are snail vectors for human schistosomiasis. Chemical molluscicides have rarely been used routinely in Kenya to control snails due to high costs of manufacture and the subsequent environmental concerns associated with their use. This study tested extracts from green tea and purple tea plants, Camellia sinensis, which are widely grown in Kenyan highland areas, against Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the obligate intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni. Snails were exposed to five different concentrations of tea extracts (10, 20, 50, 100, and 150 ppm). All quantitative data analyses were done in R Version 4.4.0. Analysis by LCMS showed that the compounds present in the extracts were epicatechin, epigallocatechin, caffeine (the highest concentration of the compounds), theobromine, and assamsaponin C. The compounds identified by GCMS were hexadecanoic acid, caffeine, octadecenoic acid-methyl, and octadec-1-ene. The crude extracts from the Kenyan tea plant Camellia sinensis (both green and purple tea) induced mortality of the Biomphalaria pfeifferi. Therefore, they can be explored as alternative plant-based molluscicides against the vector snails of Schistosoma mansoni.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is a life-threatening neglected tropical disease primarily caused by Leishmania donovani and transmitted by infected sandflies. Despite notable advancements in public health, VL continues to pose significant challenges, especially in South Asia, East Africa, and South America.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed literature published from 2000 to 2024 was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to assess epidemiological patterns, diagnostic advancements, therapeutic options, and vector control strategies.

Results: The analysis revealed progress in diagnostic tools such as rK39-based rapid tests and molecular diagnostics. Therapeutic improvements, notably liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine, have emerged, although drug resistance and limited accessibility remain problematic. Vector control through residual spraying and community programs shows promise but is hindered by insecticide resistance. Furthermore, HIV co-infection and climate-driven spread exacerbate control efforts.

Conclusions: Comprehensive management of VL requires integrative approaches that combine novel diagnostics, targeted treatment, innovative vector control, and robust public health systems. Emphasis on vaccine development, digital health solutions, and community participation is crucial for sustainable control and eventual elimination.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains an important public health challenge in endemic regions of Iran, especially in areas with intensive livestock farming and close human-animal contact. Long-term epidemiological analyses are essential for identifying patterns, informing control strategies, and evaluating intervention outcomes.

Methods: A 17-year cross-sectional study design based on retrospective data (2006-2022) was conducted on surgically confirmed human CE cases from two referral hospitals in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran. Demographic, clinical, and spatial data from patients residing in Torbat-e Heydariyeh, Zaveh, Mahvelat, and Roshtkhar were reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.25, including chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and one-way ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression, and case distribution was visualized via GIS-based heatmapping (ArcGIS Pro 3.2).

Results: A total of 232 CE surgical cases were recorded during a 17-year period, corresponding to an average annual incidence of 13.6 and a surgical incidence rate of 3/100,000 population. The liver was the most affected organ (81.5%), and abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom (73.7%). Two age peaks were observed at 21-40 and ≥ 61 years. Females (57.8%) and urban residents (64.7%) comprised the majority of patients. Regression analysis indicated a nonsignificant declining trend over time (β = -0.95, 95% CI: -2.71-0.81, p = 0.26). A statistically significant association was found between residency and organ involvement in patients with CE (χ ² = 5.78, df = 1, p = 0.016).

Conclusion: This 17-year analysis reveals persistent CE burden in northeastern Iran despite a modest decline in recent years. Sustained One Health surveillance, public education, and strengthened veterinary-human collaboration are required to mitigate disease transmission and improve control outcomes.

Rapid urbanization and poor waste management practices have led to environmental and public health concerns in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria. Open dumpsites serve as breeding grounds for vectors and reservoirs for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), increasing the risk of parasitic infections and vector-borne diseases. This study investigates waste disposal practices, geohelminth contamination, and vector abundance at dumpsites to assess their implications for public health. The study was conducted at selected dumpsites in Akure Metropolis using a structured questionnaire to collect demographic and waste disposal data. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for helminth ova and larvae using the flotation and Bearmann culture techniques. Vectors, including insects and rodents, were captured and identified using standard entomological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with results presented in descriptive statistics and graphical formats. Out of 100 respondents, 30% used formal waste collection services, whereas 29% disposed of refuse directly at dumpsites, and 41% used both methods. Soil analysis revealed high contamination with Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm ova, with 14 out of 15 samples testing positive. Houseflies (Musca domestica), ants, mosquitoes, and rodents were abundant, acting as potential mechanical carriers of parasites. Ants were the most prevalent vectors (41.35%), followed by mosquitoes (30.77%) and houseflies (25.96%). Rodents (1.92%) were the least abundant. The study highlights the significant public health risks associated with refuse dumpsites due to high geohelminth contamination and vector proliferation. Urgent intervention is needed to improve waste management, public awareness, and sanitation practices to mitigate disease transmission risks in Akure Metropolis.

Senna leaf extracts exhibit strong anthelmintic effects against the zoonotic cestode Hymenolepis diminuta, inducing profound morphological and biochemical alteration. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms, focusing on glycolytic disruption and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generation. Live H. diminuta were exposed in vitro to leaf extracts from Senna alata, Senna alexandrina, and Senna occidentalis (40 mg/mL), with praziquantel as a positive control. Biochemical assays demonstrated that there is a significant alteration in energy metabolism. Glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) activity increased, whereas glycogen synthase (GSase) activity declined, indicating enhanced glycogen catabolism. Parasites accumulated glucose and lactate but exhibited reduced pyruvate and malate, suggesting a shift towards anaerobic metabolism. Key glycolytic enzymes, including pyruvate kinase, phosphofructokinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and malate dehydrogenase were inhibited, whereas lactate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities were elevated. Histochemical analysis corroborated these enzymatic changes, demonstrating mitochondrial stress and redox imbalance. Notably, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly elevated, indicating activation of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway. The resulting oxidative stress disrupted calcium homeostasis and induced flaccid paralysis. Collectively, our results indicate that senna leaf extracts compromise parasite viability by interfering with glycolytic metabolism and promoting RNS generation, underscoring their potential as effective plant-derived anthelmintic agents.

In developing countries like Ethiopia, zoonotic trematodes have a significant economic impact on the animal and public health sectors. To determine the prevalence of cattle schistosomiasis with farmers' practices toward the prevention and control of zoonotic trematodes, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 cattle and 120 farmers in Maya City between October 2023 and May 2024 using simple random sampling. Out of 423 cattle, 78 (18.44%, 95% CI 15.01-22.44) were positive for schistosomiasis. For crossbred cattle (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14-0.73), old age (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: 1.74-7.63), poor body condition (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.36-17.73), and extensive management (OR: 4.71, 95% CI: 2.53-8.76) were statistically significant factors for the prevalence of cattle schistosomiasis; however, sex, subcity, and farming type had no significant association with the prevalence of the diseases. Even though all farmers have a latrine in their home, 64.2% of the respondents defecated openly in the bush or in and around water. Most (80.8%) farmers also eat raw fish and raw vegetables, and around half of them (45%) did not clean the feeding and watering troughs of their animals regularly. Cattle farmers' overall level of positive practice was 12.5%. The respondents' education level had a significant association with positive practice, but gender, farming experience, marital status, age group, income per month, and subcity had no significant association. Cattle farmers' practice toward the prevention and control of zoonotic trematodes is very low in Maya City; therefore, to mitigate the burden of this disease in animals and humans at the same time, promoting a one health approach is encouraged in Eastern Ethiopia.

The remerging nature of plague requires detailed understanding of the plague flea vectors and small mammal reservoir interactions. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing flea vector composition, diversity, prevalence, abundance, and phylogeny in selected villages of Lushoto, Mbulu, and Morogoro Rural districts in Tanzania. Small mammals were captured from households and different habitats, and flea ectoparasites were collected, processed, and identified morphologically. Furthermore, seven specimens of the most collected flea species Ctenophthalmus sp. and Xenopsylla cheopis were submitted for advanced molecular identification and phylogenetic relatedness. The prevalence between predictors such as habitat type, host species, host sex, and locality was compared using chi-square tests, and also, generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to check the variation between flea abundance and different predictors. A total of 302 small mammals were captured with Mastomys natalensis (n = 163, 54.0%), Rattus rattus (n = 41, 13.6%), and Crocidura spp. (n = 31, 10.3%) dominating the total capture. The collected fleas belonged to nine species, and the most prevalent and abundant species were Ctenophthalmus spp. (n = 84, 31.0%), Pulex irritans (n = 82, 30.3%), Dinopsylla lypusus (n = 78, 28.8%), and Nosopsyllus incisus (n = 11, 4.1%) from rodents, and more so on males than females. The highest flea diversity was in crop fields (H' = 1.05) followed by near-natural forests (H' = 1.03) and fallow land (H' = 0.7). Phylogenetic analysis of ITS1 sequences for Ctenophthalmus sp. and Xenopsylla cheopis from Lushoto and Mbulu districts showed strong nucleotide identity. These findings highlight the need for continuous flea and rodent surveillance to mitigate potential plague outbreaks and protect public health in endemic areas.