Journal of Parasitic Diseases最新文献

The present paper reports fundamental aspects of host-parasite interaction between a cymothoid isopod, Norileca indica (Milne Edwards, 1840), and the fish Indian Mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816). N. indica is recovered from the branchial cavity of the host fish R. kanagurta. The appendages like pereopods and the mouth part of N. indica exhibit morphological adaptation for the parasitic mode of life. The parasitic mode of feeding in N. indica was confirmed by amplifying DNA from its gut contents, which matched the tissue of the host fish (R. kanangurta). The effect on the host fish includes a reduction in the length and weight of the host fish. The continuous lodging of the parasite inside the gill chamber causes the degeneration of the gill filaments of the host fish. Further, the mucus protease activity was higher in infected fish when compared to uninfected fish. Overall, this paper tries to address the effect of cymothoid parasitism on marine fishes.

This study examined the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among indigenous communities in Bhumikasthan Municipality, Arghakhanchi, Nepal. The focus was on the Magar, Mijar, Pariyar, and Bishwokarma ethnic groups, considering various socio-economic, demographic, nutritional, and behavioral factors. A total of 200 stool samples were collected from individuals (18-88 years old) using purposive sampling, which may limit the generalizability of the findings, and were preserved in potassium dichromate. A structured questionnaire supplemented the study, gathering data on relevant factors. Diagnostic methods employed included direct wet mount, saturated salt flotation, and formal ether sedimentation. Results showed an overall parasite prevalence of 44 (22%), with helminthic infections found in 32 (16%) and protozoan infections in 12 (6%) of the population. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth 29 (14.5%), followed by Giardia lamblia 8 (4.0%), Entamoeba histolytica 4 (2%), and Trichuris trichiura 3 (1.5%). Females exhibited a slightly higher prevalence 34 (23.8%) compared to males 10 (17.5%), potentially influenced by occupational exposure. Univariate analysis indicated associations between IPIs and factors such as residing in muddy houses, consuming untreated tap water, and inadequate personal hygiene practices. Multivariate analysis highlighted significant associations with practices like insufficient handwashing with soap and water [i.e., adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.00 95% CI (2.16-22.70)], and dietary habits, particularly non-vegetarian diets [aOR 7.68 95% CI (1.71-34.50)]. The study underscores the importance of targeted health education interventions, particularly focusing on improving hygiene practices and modifying dietary habits among indigenous communities. Addressing these factors could mitigate the burden of IPIs, contributing to improved health outcomes in these populations.

The present investigation is undertaken to understand the cause of the sudden mass mortality of Spot-billed Pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis) that have mixed colonies with Painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala) at Bird Migration Site, Telineelapuram Village, Tekkali Mandal, Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh. Post-mortem examination of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of a single pelican was conducted along with the faecal analysis of both birds using Mac Master floatation technique. The infected proventriculus of pelican was studied histopathologically. Adult nematode parasites collected were identified and described using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Faecal analysis of 25 birds (15 pelicans and 10 storks) showed 100% prevalence of infection. Post-mortem revealed very high parasite burden with as many as 1967 parasites in four stages i.e. 316 third larval stage (L3), 652 fourth larval stage (L4), 573 immature adult and 426 mature adult nematode parasites. These nematodes were found attached to mucosal surface of the proventriculus, obstructing the lumen, causing haemorrhages and revealing some histoarchitectural changes at the histopathological level. Adult parasites were identified as Contracaecum species i.e. C. micropapillatum and C. multipapillatum. This is the first record of Contracaecum species in the proventriculus of a wild spot-billed pelican at Srikakulam District. Overall, the present study alerts the occurrence of sudden mass mortalities in migratory birds like pelicans and storks due to heavy infections and stresses the importance of implementing timely preventive measures to safeguard the avian fauna.

In Ethiopia, livestock are an integral part of farming systems, and importance sources of high quality protein (meat, milk and eggs) as well as they are contributing to the economic welfare of the people. Bovine trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease causing serious economic impact on livestock productivity and agricultural development. A repeated cross-sectional design was employed to estimate the seasonal prevalence of trypanosome infection and to assess Glossina spp. apparent density in Zala district, Gofa zone. A total of 560 cattle (280 in each season) were examined for trypanosome by using buffy coat technique. For the entomological survey, 80 NGU traps, odour-baited with acetone, were deployed in watering and grazing areas that is where the animals and vector are believed to have frequent contact. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle was 7.0% (95% CI = 5.1-9.4). The dry and wet season trypanosome infection were 4.3% (95% CI = 2.4-7.4) and 9.6% (95% CI = 6.7-13.7), respectively. The prevalence of cattle trypanosome infection was significantly higher during wet season (OR = 2.38, p < 0.05), in black and black-spotted coat color (OR = 4.61, p < 0.05) and poor body conditioned (OR = 4.55, p < 0.05) animals. Both in dry and wet seasons two species of Trypanosoma were circulating in the area: Trypanosoma congolense (87.2%) and Trypanosoma vivax (12.8%). The mean PCV value of infected cattle (20.89 ± 4.04) was significantly lower than in non-infected animals (22.9 ± 6.32%). A total of 564 flies were caught, and 56.9% was Glossina spp. and 43.1% was other biting flies. Glossina pallidipes was the only species observed, and moreover, two other genera of biting fly (i.e. Stomoxys spp. and Tabanus spp.). The overall apparent density of Glossina pallidipes was 1.38 F/T/D, and it was 1.78 F/T/D and 0.99 F/T/D, in wet and dry season, respectively. The observed prevalence of trypanosome infection, and Glossina pallidipes apparent density could be a potential threat to animal health and productivity. So, the recorded prevalence was high, and it suggests that the need for the development of strategy for vector and the parasites control.

Abstract: Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) are obligatory ectoparasites that pose a significant threat to livestock due to their hematophagous feeding habits and their role in the transmission of numerous diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tick infection in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab, Pakistan's Sheikhupura District and to analyze livestock farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about tick control. From April to September 2021, 534 cattle and buffaloes were analyzed in addition to conducting structured interviews with farm owners. Results of this study demonstrate that Sheikhupura has a comparatively low prevalence of tick infestation as compared to other areas of the country. There was no statistically significant difference in tick infestation between buffaloes (20.28%) and cattle (22.18%), suggesting that both species are equally susceptible. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the seasonal distribution of ticks, with a marked increase in infestation during the summer months (July-August; p < 0.05), indicating a strong influence of climatic conditions. Moreover, significant breed-specific differences were noted (p < 0.05), as hybrid buffaloes and Desi cattle exhibited higher infestation rates compared to indigenous breeds, suggesting that genetic and management factors may play a crucial role in host susceptibility. Additionally, geographically distinct variations in tick prevalence among tehsils were statistically significant (p < 0.05), underscoring the impact of localized environmental conditions on tick distribution. The widespread behavior of manually removing ticks (95.88%), which multiplies the risk of disease transmission, indicates that even though 91.02% of farmers questioned were aware of ticks, this awareness was not translated into effective control measures. There are still gaps in effective tick control, even though 58.80% of respondents claimed they used anti-tick medications. The unsafe tick removal techniques draw attention to the necessity of educational initiatives that encourage safer handling techniques. Future control initiatives in Pakistan's endemic areas might benefit from the important insights this study offers about the dynamics of tick infestations and livestock management techniques.

Graphical abstract:

Kala-Azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a neglected tropical illness that mostly affects populations with inadequate resources and has a significant global morbidity and mortality rate. This systematic review summarises developments in public health initiatives, treatment, and diagnosis for the management of VL. Disease identification has been improved by diagnostic advancements such as rK39 dipstick tests, ELISA, and PCR; nonetheless, regional variations in sensitivity and specificity, as well as the ongoing dependence on invasive techniques, underscore the necessity for widely available, non-invasive substitutes. New developments in medicine, including liposomal amphotericin B and combination treatments with paromomycin or miltefosine, have greatly increased therapy effectiveness while lowering toxicity and length of treatment. Cost, opposition, and restricted accessibility issues still exist, nevertheless. As a reservoir for disease transmission, post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) continues to be a major obstacle to eradication. Although they have proven successful, vector control methods like indoor residual spraying (IRS) and durable insecticidal nets are hampered by DDT resistance and environmental issues. The illness load in the Indian subcontinent has been decreased as a result of public health measures like the Kala-Azar Elimination Initiative. Socioeconomic factors including poverty, malnutrition, and a lack of proper healthcare facilities still obstruct advancement in spite of these achievements. The urgent need for economical combination treatments, cost-effective diagnostics, and long-term vector control methods is highlighted by this review. To eradicate visceral leishmaniasis worldwide, a multisectoral strategy that addresses underlying vulnerabilities is necessary.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic relationships of three zoonotic malaria parasites known as Plasmodium cynomolgi, P. inui, and P. knowlesi in long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from wildlife-human conflict zones in Selangor, Malaysia. The study conducted between September 2022 and April 2023, involved N = 100 macaques culled as part of wildlife management programs in Petaling and Hulu Langat districts. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed a prevalence of 24% for P. cynomolgi, 23% for P. inui, and 4% for P. knowlesi. Infection patterns included 51% single infections, 18% dual infections, and 2% triple infections. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the Maximum Likelihood method with the Kimura 2-parameter model and 1,000 bootstrap replicates. Results identified major lineages (S-type and A-type) for all three Plasmodium species, providing insights into their evolutionary relationships and host-parasite interactions. The findings underscore the zoonotic potential of long-tailed macaques in wildlife-human conflict zones and emphasize the need for regular monitoring and surveillance to mitigate the public health risks associated with zoonotic malaria.

Parasite control remains a critical challenge in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and public health due to the their significant health and economic impacts. While chemical parasiticides have historically been effective, their drawbacks, including environmental residues and resistance development, necessitate sustainable alternatives. Biological control (BC), or biocontrol, employs living organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and predators to disrupt parasite life cycles, reduce population density, or prevent establishment through predation, parasitism, pathogenicity, or competition. Direct BC agents reduce parasite populations by limiting reproduction or causing mortality, while indirect agents modify environmental conditions to disrupt parasite life cycles. It offers high specificity, minimizing harm to non-target species, and reduces resistance risks, positioning it as an environmentally friendly alternative. Strategies like classical BC, augmentation, and conservation, often integrated with integrated pest management (IPM) practices such as rotational grazing and selective anthelmintic use, enhance efficacy. By preserving biodiversity and promoting long-term sustainability, BC holds transformative potential for parasite management.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species and transmitted by infected sandflies. It poses a significant public health challenge in endemic regions like Iran due to its complex epidemiology and limited treatment options. Effective control strategies are critical. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological factors of CL in areas covered by Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences from 2019 to 2023 to guide targeted interventions in high-risk zones. This retrospective study analyzed data from the leishmaniasis registration system at Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences. Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases were confirmed through microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears. Demographic details, including age, gender, occupation, residence, and lesion characteristics, were collected through questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, applying non-parametric tests. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 1440 patients, 67.0% were male, with 88.6% residing in rural areas. The most cases occurred in 2020, with lesions primarily affecting exposed body parts. Topical treatment was the most common therapeutic approach. A significant peak in incidence was observed in February and March, with statistically significant differences in patient characteristics (p ≤ 0.05). The study underscores the importance of epidemiological surveillance in understanding CL distribution. Targeted control efforts in rural areas are essential for reducing disease prevalence. Further research should focus on optimizing vector and reservoir control strategies.

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from Iraq as well as evaluating the blood components and essential micronutrient levels in these patients. The existing study involved 90 patients diagnosed with CRC who referred to Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital between January and June 2024. A fresh stool specimen was obtained from each participant and placed in a sterile, labeled container. Direct smear method (wet mount) and the formol-ether concentration technique were used to identify intestinal protozoa. Each patient provided 3 mL of blood, which was divided into two parts: in the first part, 2 mL of blood was placed in yellow hooded coagulant tubes to obtain the sera for evaluating the serum level of the micronutrient-related elements (iron and zinc). The remaining blood was placed in EDTA anticoagulant tubes for complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Our results showed Entamoeba histolytica infection as the most common parasite affecting 61.29% of patients, alongside Giardia lamblia infection found in 38.70% of subjects. This dual parasite infection resulted in significant reductions of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume but produced minimal neutrophil elevation and displayed variable effects on both white blood cells and eosinophil levels. Participants experienced a reduction in their iron content when infected with both parasites, while G. lamblia caused major zinc loss, and E. histolytica showed moderate declines in zinc levels. The identified protozoan infections of CRC patients generate substantial health consequences, which indicate a crucial requirement for proper parasitic management within this at-risk patient group.