Journal of Parasitic Diseases最新文献

Leishmaniasis is one of zoonotic tropical diseases and includes cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral types. The agent of the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Mediterranean region is Leishmania infantum, which may cause death if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A DNA biosensor based on gold nanoparticles has been fabricated for detection of L. infantum genome, based on Kinetoplast minicircle DNA with conserved sequence region. Initially, DNA samples were prepared from a number of patients and dogs with VL, as well as negative and positive controls. A thiolated 24-base oligonucleotide probe from kDNA was functionalized with AuNPs (AuNP-probe). AuNP-probe was then exposed to the solution containing target and non-target DNA for the hybridization. Dispersion or aggregation of the gold nanoparticles-probe conjugates in the presence or absence of a complementary DNA sequence, L. infantum genomic DNA, and clinical samples resulted in an obvious and sensitive change in the UV-vis spectra and the solution color, after acid addition. A red color for the samples containing complementary DNA was observed, whereas in the samples without complementary DNA, AuNP-probe turned blue-purple. The results indicated that this method is an easy, reliable, direct, rapid and cost-effective method for visual detection of L. infantum. A larger clinical cohort will need to be evaluated using this nanobiosensor to confirm its reliability and practical application. After validation with future studies, this nanobiosensor has potential for evolution into a portable diagnostic tool.

The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-helmintic efficacy of two commonly used plants Punica granatum and Moringa oleifera and analyse its phytoconstituents. Methanolic extract of the plants in five concentration ranging from 5 to 200 mg/ml was prepared and tested for their adulticidal and ovicidal activity through in vitro Adult Motility Test (AMT) and Egg Hatch Test (EHT). The Phytochemical analysis was carried out by HPTLC.The results of AIT indicated that there was complete cessation of motility for all the worms tested after 6 h and 7 h of exposure for methanolic extract of P. granatum and M. oleifera respectively. At highest concentration, the time taken for mortality in case of pomegranate peel extract was 195.3 ± 6.38 min while for Moringa leaves extract was 242.3 ± 6.36 min. The ovicidal activity as determined by egg hatch test demonstrated a 100 and 98.3% inhibition of egg hatching at highest concentration that was comparable to the reference drug for methanolic extract of P. granatum and M. oleifera respectively. The ovicidal action was also revealed by log probit analysis and IC 50 values of 33.92 mg/ml was recorded for M. oleifera leaves while the IC 50 value for pomegranate peel extract was calculated to be 21.33 mg/ml. The Phytochemical screening for methanolic extracts through HPTLC revealed P. granatum peel extract contained 0.084 mg/ml of rutin, 0.83 mg/ml of gallic acid and 0.328 mg/ml of quercetin. M. oleifera leaf extract contained 0.058 mg/ml of rutin, 0.218 mg/ml gallic acid and 0.592 mg/ml quercetin. While both the plant extracts showed anthelmintic activity, Pomegranate peel fared better over Moringa leaves owing to its higher inhibition of egg hatching, lesser time for mortality and lower IC 50 values. However, for further validation and formulation of novel herbal anthelmintic, in vivo and toxicity studies are essential.

Malaria remains a significant health burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, exacerbated by growing parasite drug resistance. Nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for effective antimalarial drug delivery, mitigating resistance, and reducing toxicity. This study investigated the antiplasmodial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) green-synthesized using Alstonia boonei and Terminalia catappa extracts against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Characterization confirmed nanoparticle formation: visual color changes, UV-Vis SPR peaks (295 nm for T. catappa AgNPs, (TCA) 435 nm for A. boonei AgNPs (AA), 270 nm for T. catappa FeNPs (TCF), 242 nm for A. boonei FeNPs (AF), FTIR identification of capping functional groups, and SEM-EDX elemental confirmation (Ag: 77.20% and 65.20%; Fe: 60.24% and 71.40%). Acute toxicity (LD₅₀) tests showed high safety, with TCA, AA, and TCF exhibiting above 5000 mg/kg, while AF's LD₅₀ was 223.6 mg/kg. In curative assays, all nanoparticles demonstrated dose-dependent P. berghei inhibition, with AA 100 mg/kg achieving the highest at 75.6%. Prophylactic tests revealed impressive efficacy, with TCF 100 mg/kg showing 94.1% inhibition, and other nanoparticles above 87.0%. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in efficacy was observed among different nanoparticle dosages. These findings underscore the dose-dependent curative and prophylactic antiplasmodial activities of these green-synthesized nanoparticles, advocating for their further development as accessible antimalarial options.

Rabbits have become one of the most popular pets worldwide, prized for their social and friendly nature. However, they are susceptible to various parasitic diseases, including nematodosis, cestodiosis, coccidiosis, and ectoparasitic infestations such as ticks and mites. This case report describes ear canker in a 1-year-old female Angora rabbit, presented with signs of inappetence, dullness, pruritus, head shaking, and dry, crusty lesions on the inner side of the pinnae. A thorough examination of the ear was carried out followed by debridement to remove the crusts using forceps. Skin scrapings from the active lesion margins were taken, placed in 10% KOH and examined microscopically, confirming the presence of Psoroptes cuniculi infestation. It is for the first time, that the occurrence of P. cuniculi infestation in an Angora rabbit has been reported from Kashmir. The rabbit was treated with subcutaneous ivermectin at a dose of 400 µg/kg body weight, followed by a second dose after 2 weeks. Additionally, chlorpheniramine maleate at 0.4 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscularly for 3 days as an adjunct therapy to alleviate pruritus. Significant clinical improvement was observed within 1 week, and the lesions were completely resolved after 1 month of treatment. This case highlights the successful management of P. cuniculi infestation in an Angora rabbit, with ivermectin proving effective in treating ear canker in this breed.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a significant health issue, particularly in Iraq, with a notable increase in cases during the winter months. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramadi Teaching Hospital, selected due to the rising incidence of CL. A total of 10 patients, aged 18-40, with an average age of 29, participated in the study, which ran from December 10, 2023, to March 2024. Blood samples were collected from the lesions of CL patients using capillary tubes, ensuring sufficient volume by using multiple tubes per sample. Patients were undergoing treatment with Pentostam as prescribed. The collected blood was transferred to tubes containing sodium chloride solution and stored at- 20 °C until DNA extraction. After storage, genomic DNA was successfully extracted from the samples. This DNA served as a template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, utilizing specific primers designed to amplify genes associated with virulence factors. Among the 10 samples, 7 tested positive for DNA extraction, while 3 were negative. Of the 7 positive samples, PCR electrophoresis indicated that 3 were positive for the GP63 gene and 4 were negative. Conversely, 4 samples were positive for the LPG2 gene, while 3 were negative. A control group was included to facilitate comparison during PCR electrophoresis for both genes. Analysis confirmed that Leishmania major is the sole causative agent of CL in Anbar.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite that poses significant health risks globally. Current serological tests for diagnosing T. gondii infections are hindered by high costs, cumbersomeness, and the necessity for skills and expertise. This study aimed to identify promising antigens for the development of an immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Whole-cell antigens were isolated from the virulent RH strain of T. gondii maintained in Swiss albino male mice. After infection, peritoneal fluid was harvested, and tachyzoites were processed to obtain whole cell lysates, which were subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Five novel antigenic protein bands reactive to anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were identified on western blot. Subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 158 proteins. However, only 18 proteins were selected on the basis of high mascot score (> 40) and were investigated further. On BLAST search 10 of these proteins exhibited significant homology (> 90%) with closely related microorganisms hence these were excluded. Out of remaining 8, T. gondii specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH1) were found to be reactive to both IgG and IgM on western blot, indicating their potential as reliable biomarkers for T. gondii infection.

Cystic echinococcosis is an important zoonotic disease and pose a significant health threat worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) has ten strains and exhibits many characteristics. Hence, the current study aims to identify the hydatid cysts genotype isolated from sheep and goats in Rasht County through morphological and molecular analyses. During 6 months (winter 2018 to summer 2019), 50 samples, including liver and lung tissues, were collected at Rasht County slaughterhouse (30 goats and 20 sheep). Hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) was extracted, and protocoleces were collected and rostellar hooks' morphological parameters were examined. DNA was extracted, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using primers on the ITS 1 gene using EgF and EgR, and the enzyme Bsh1236 I was used for digestion. The morphological and molecular analysis identified sheep and goat hydatid cyst isolated as strain G1-G3. This study highlights the importance of carefully monitoring the prevalence of hydatid disease in Rasht, Iran, especially in small ruminants. It is especially important for future studies in strain identification and awareness-raising about methods for preventing and controlling zoonotic diseases caused by E. granulosus. This research can be considered important for epidemiological studies and examining how the parasite spreads in other regions of the country and even globally in the face of drug resistance and common diseases between humans and livestock.

Toxoplasma gondii causes common parasitic infection, and congenital toxoplasmosis is considered a serious public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of maternal blood PCR in distinguishing acute from chronic toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. From January to June 2023, 291 pregnant women in Malayer, western Iran, were screened for T. gondii IgG antibodies via ELISA. Seropositive samples underwent further testing for IgG avidity and IgM antibodies. Peripheral blood samples from IgG-positive women were then analyzed for T. gondii DNA by targeting the B1 gene through nested PCR. Among the 291 pregnant women, 77 (26.46%; 95% CI: 21.39-31.53) tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Seropositivity rates were significantly higher in women aged 39 years or older. Anti-Toxoplasma IgM was detected in two of the IgG-positive samples. IgG avidity results showed low levels in four asymptomatic women, borderline levels in four women, and high levels in 69 women. The Toxoplasma B1 gene was detected in four out of the 77 seropositive samples. Based on the combination of serological and PCR results, primary infection was diagnosed in three PCR-positive women with low and borderline IgG avidity. Finally, acute toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in three pregnant women (1%), indicating that the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis remains a serious issue. Furthermore, these findings suggest that serology results should be interpreted in conjunction with additional confirmatory tests.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoans of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria control efforts on a global scale are in danger due to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria. Despite stakeholders' dedication to the prevention and treatment of malaria, the current state of global health does not offer an effective answer to the issue of drug resistance. Furthermore, there is an information gap about the molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium falciparum's drug resistance, which makes it difficult to develop monitoring systems. Most countries lack adequate and comprehensive information on antimalarial drug efficacy. Plasmodium falciparum has developed resistance to almost all anti-malarial drugs, which poses a significant danger to malaria control worldwide. The fundamental mechanism of artemisinin resistance is due to point mutations in the beta-propeller domain of the gene encoding Kelch protein 13. Atovaquone resistance can be caused by a variety of mutations in the cytochrome b gene, with the majority of mutations affecting the protein's ubiquinol binding site. Similarly, mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter, Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance 1, and an increase in Plasmodium falciparum Plasmepsin II and III copy numbers all lead to 4-aminoquinoline drug resistance. Also, the number of amino acid substitutions in dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase is correlated with the degree of antifolate drug resistance. Moreover, amino alcohol drug resistance is caused by Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 and Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H + exchanger 1 mutations. In general, Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter, Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H + exchanger 1, plasmepsin II & III, cytochrome b gene, dihydrofolate reductase, Plasmodium falciparum ATPases 6, Plasmodium falciparum Kelch protein 13, and dihydropteroate synthase were just the molecular markers of drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum. Future research on the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in P. falciparum should focus on significant area including using transcriptomic and genomic technologies to identify genetic variations associated with resistance. Finding the protein interactions that underlie these resistance mechanisms requires proteomic research. Additionally, the possibility of resistance development may be decreased by investigating combination therapies that target several phases of the P. falciparum lifecycle. In order to successfully address drug resistance in malaria, it will be essential to strengthen worldwide monitoring systems and promote interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, regular monitoring, identification, and limiting of dr

Cystic echinococcosis is a neglected helminthic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus spp., mostly E. granulosus. Current chemotherapeutic treatment options are based on benzimidazoles; mainly albendazole (ABZ) which are of limited effectiveness. Therefore, new anti-echinococcosis treatment agents are needed. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum drug against a wide variety of intestinal parasites. The current work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ABZ, ABZ chitosan nanoparticles (ABZ/Cs NPs), NTZ and NTZ/Cs NPs in mice experimentally infected with E. granulosus. Swiss albino mice were inoculated intra-peritoneally with ~ 1000 protoscoleces harvested from hydatid cysts from slaughtered camels. Drugs were administered orally daily to mice subgroups as follows: ABZ (50 mg/kg/4 weeks), blank Cs NPs (30 mg/Kg/4 weeks), ABZ/Cs NPs (50 mg/kg/4 weeks), NTZ (200 mg /kg/ 14 days) NTZ/Cs NPs (200 mg/ kg /14 days) 16 weeks after infection. Drug efficacy was assessed by parasitological, morphological and histopathological studies on hydatid cysts collected from the studied groups. Results revealed that the studied treatments had variable efficacy. ABZ/Cs NPs showed higher anti-cystic activity relative to ABZ, NTZ, NTZ/ CSNPs. Survival time increased in subgroups treated with ABZ/Cs NPs and Cs NPs followed by NTZ/Cs NPs. Mice received ABZ and ABZ/Cs NPs showed the highest reduction of hydatid cysts in different organs. SEM revealed severe morphological changes mainly in subgroups receiving ABZ and ABZ/Cs NPs. It was concluded that chitosan nanoparticles could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of ABZ and NTZ in the treatment of cystic echinococcosis.