Journal of Parasitic Diseases最新文献

Amblyomma neumanni ticks collected on horses from the North-West of Argentina were analyzed for the presence of the Piroplasm agents Babesia and Theileria. A total of 97 adult ticks from four different provinces (Jujuy, Santiago del Estero, Salta, Tucumán) were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated, and conventional PCR assays were applied for the detection of the 18S rDNA gene of Babesia and Theileria species. One sample corresponding to a male of A. neumanni collected in Tapia, Tucumán Province, resulted positive. Phylogenetic analyses carried out with the obtained 18S rDNA partial gene sequences resulted in the identification of Theileria cervi. Although the detection of T. cervi in A. neumanni collected on a horse does not represent direct evidence of its vector competence regarding this Theileria species, it can be seen as an indication of the circulation of T. cervi in the epidemiological circuit formed by the interaction A. neumanni-horses.

Coenurus cerebralis consists of several protoscolices and it contains a transparent cyst wall. Domestic and wild canids constitute the predators, while a wide range of herbivores are the prey hosts. The study aims to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and nucleotide diversity using partial sequences of the ND1 gene in different regions of Iran. Samples were gathered from areas with various climatic locations in Iran. Sheep were slaughtered and their brain was used at abattoir and were palpated and incised to check for the presence of C.cerebralis cysts. With immediate DNA extraction, a PCR test for the ND1 gene using specific primers was done. Subsequently, the total diameter of the cyst lies within 0.5 to 5 cm, and the amount of protoscolices in the cyst lies within 50-350 protoscolex, the average length of large and small hooks was 195 and 93 μm respectively. Sequencing results of Iranian Taenia multiceps isolates from sheep's brain coenurus cyst in this study showed no differences in partial NADH gene among the Iranian isolates and had high similarity with the sequences of T. multiceps isolates from Turkey, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Australia. Based on molecular alignment and phylogenetic analysis, the close relationship between Iranian isolates from the same hosts as Turkey and China was correlated to the same geographical conditions and high rate of trade between countries. These results gave important information for further studies of molecular epidemiology and control of C. cerebralis infestation to the public, medical associations, entomologists, and pest control operators in Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii, responsible for toxoplasmosis, is one of the worldwide prevalent parasitic zoonoses infecting warm-blooded animals including humans with cats being the definitive host. Congenital transmission can occur and leads to congenital toxoplasmosis, which may result in foetal or neonatal death, or severe malformations. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors among pregnant women in a rural setting of Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross-sectional study from December 2020 to March 2021 in the Nanoro health district area. Women attending antenatal care for the first time at the selected health centers were enrolled in the study. For each participant, socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. In addition, venous blood was drawn for the detection and avidity determination of IgG antibodies to T. gondii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with seropositivity. Out of 416 participants, 37.3% were positive for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and only two of 149 women with interpretable results (1.3%) had low avidity IgG antibodies suggestive of recent primary infection. Younger age (16-18 years) was significantly associated with seronegativity (OR = 0.48, 95% CI:0.27-0.86, p = 0.013), while multipara (OR = 2.20, 95% CI:1.37-3.76, p value = 0.001) and multigravida (OR = 2.27, 95% CI:1.37-3.76, p = 0.001) were significantly more likely seropositive. The multivariate logistic regression showed that being at the third trimester of pregnancy (OR = 4.17, 95% CI:1.68-10.36, p = 0.002) and being often in contact with a cat (OR = 1.72, 95% CI:1.03-2.37, p = 0.035) were significantly associated with seropositivity. Our findings suggest that Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in the area, resulting in a high exposure risk of pregnant women and we indeed found two women with evidence of recent exposure. To avoid the potentially serious consequences to the foetus, there is an urgent need for systematic screening during antenatal care visits and awareness campaigns.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma species, affects millions of people worldwide. This review explores the therapeutic challenges of schistosomiasis, focusing on the mechanisms of action of current treatments and their limitations. Praziquantel, the standard therapy, induces lesions and muscle contractions in the parasites, thereby facilitating their clearance by the host immune system. However, the biological complexity of schistosomes and their ability to modulate the immune response present hurdles to sustained treatment efficacy. Challenges include the emergence of resistance, adverse side effects, and inconsistent cure rates. Additionally, the remarkable longevity of schistosomes-spanning years to decades-complicates the evaluation of treatment outcomes. Addressing these issues, requires ongoing surveillance, research into novel therapeutic agents, and an integrated approach that combines medical interventions with preventive measures. This paper underscores the importance of understanding schistosome biology and advocates for comprehensive strategies to improve the management and control of this debilitating parasitic infection.

The Mediterranean region is recognized as one of the most impacted areas of which Algeria has been traditionally acknowledged as endemic for leishmaniasis. This study carried out in Algiers, north-central Algeria, aimed to carry outa serological and clinical investigation of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) invarious dog breeds, outlining the risk factors associated with Leishmania infection. Blood samples, along with clinical data and general information, were gathered and examined from 305 dogs, of which 210 were males and 95 were females. Numerous breeds made up this sample, including the local breed, German shepherd, pitbul, foxhound, among others. Anti-Leishmania IgG antibodies were detected using IFAT and samples were scored as positive at a cut-off dilution of ≥ 1:80. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected (95% CI 15.21-24.13%) of dogs of which 6.48% were clinically asymptomatic. Factors such as age, breed, and presence of clinical signs of leishmaniasis were found to significantly impact the prevalence of Leishmania infection, while gender did not show a significant association. The highest rates of infection were found in dogs aged 4-6 years (33.33%) and over 6 years (34.62%) (p < 0.001). In relation to breed, local dogs showed a significantly lower infection rate compared to other breeds (p < 0.01). All dogs that were clinically diagnosed with leishmaniasis tested seropositive and the predominant clinical sign noted were adenopathy (81.40%), weight loss (67.44%) and skin ulcers (48.84%). Adenopathy was significantly more frequent (4.38-11.67 times) compared to the other symptoms (p < 0.001). The isoenzymatic characterization of30seropositive dogs revealed the presence of the zymodeme L. infantum MON-1. The current study confirmed the endemic status of CanLin Algeriaand identified several factors that may influence the seropositivity in the study region.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01801-7.

Relative association of haemato-biochemical findings with oxidative stress markers was evaluated between natural patent and latent infection of Theileria equi in horses to divulge the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of illness due to non-availablity in literature. Blood samples were collected from 429 equines of 16 districts of the Punjab and samples positive by conventional microscopy (patent Group I; olln = 13), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (latent group II; n = 38) and healthy control (group III, n = 64) were compared for haematological-biochemical index and stress parameters. Significant anaemia in both group I and group II, and considerable neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia in group I in comparison to group II and group III was observed. Significant elevation in creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and glucose while reduction in iron was noticed in both group I and group II. More level of lipid peroxides in patent group I followed by latent group II indicated more lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and oxidative stress in declining order when compared with Group III. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GST) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were lowered in Group I. An inverse association of RBC count with lipid peroxidation (PLO) and GSH and a direct relationship with catalase, SOD and FRAP was revealed. Findings indicated that oxidative damage plays an imperative function in pathogenesis of anaemia in horses due to T. equi infection and can be utilized as significant marker for latent and patent infection after well thought-out correlation with other haemato-biochemical findings.

Cryptosporidiosis is an enteric infection caused by Cryptosporidium spp. The severity of the disease depends mainly on the immune status of the host. The infection is self-limited in immunocompetent individuals but in immunocompromised patients, it can be severe and threatening. To provide new insights into a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the infection and the impact of immune modulation on the course of the disease, we used 4 groups of Swiss-Albino mice; dexamethasone (DEX) group, the diabetic group, the DEX-infected group, and the diabetic-infected group. The blood glucose levels, oocyst shedding, mortality rates, and ultrastructural changes among study groups were observed and documented. The diabetic groups showed hyperglycemia while the DEX-infected group showed significantly higher oocyst shedding rates compared to the diabetic-infected group (P > 0.005). At the end of the experiment, the DEX groups showed higher mortality rates. Regarding the ultrastructural ileal crypt changes recorded in all groups, the DEX-infected group showed the severest changes with significantly lower numbers of Paneth cells, depletion of Paneth cell granules, and increased number of apoptotic crypt bodies significantly (P > 0.005) compared to the diabetic-infected group. On the contrary, the diabetic-infected group showed a significant expansion of Paneth cells with an increased number of granules and a significantly decreased number of apoptotic crypt bodies (P > 0.005). However, both models failed to control the infection properly highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of suspected immunocompromised cases.

This paper presents a case of a 43-year-old man with Down syndrome misdiagnosed with psoriasis, later diagnosed with CS. Clinical manifestations included pruritus, hyperkeratotic plaques, and yellow crusts on the scalp, hands, and feet. Laboratory findings revealed eosinophilia and confirmed scabies through mite identification. Treatment with oral ivermectin and permethrin cream led to complete lesion clearance in two weeks. Crusted scabies is highly contagious and often misdiagnosed, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and transmission.

Fifteen specimens of the devil firefish, Pterois miles (Bennett) (Perciformes: Scorpaenidae), were collected from the Red Sea off Safaga, Egypt, between November 2022 and April 2024, and examined for parasitic infections. Parasitological analyses included light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, alongside partial sequencing of the 28 S rDNA gene for molecular characterization. A single digenean species was found in the intestine of 12 out of 15 (80%) P. miles specimens, identified as Cainocreadium pteroisi (Nagaty & Abdel Aal, 1962) Durio & Manter 1968 (Opecoelidae: Hamacreadiinae). Light microscopy revealed an elongated, fusiform body with key features such as a spherical oral sucker, larger ventral sucker, oblique testes, lobed ovary, and lateral vitellarium. SEM provided further details, showing intricate muscle structures in the ventral sucker. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the parasite within the genus Cainocreadium. This study reports a southward range extension of C. pteroisi within the Red Sea and provides clarification and confirmation of its host as P. miles, which was likely misidentified as P. volitans in the original description. Furthermore, it provides new insights through SEM imaging and DNA sequence data for the species.

Bovine theileriosis is a common tick-borne disease leading to reduced productivity, significant mortality and huge economic loss. The present study was conducted at Regional Clinical Laboratory, District Veterinary Centre, Kannur, Kerala, India to evaluate the haemato-biochemical parameters in bovine theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis. The whole blood and serum samples of 75 cows collected from different parts of Kannur district, Kerala India, tested positive for T. orientalis by light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction were subjected to a battery of haemato-biochemical tests such as complete blood count, serum ionized calcium (iCa), magnesium (Mg), inorganic phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), total protein (TP), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pattern of variation in each parameter was evaluated retrospectively by grouping the animals based on the chronicity of infection into chronic and acute cases, and re-grouping them based on parasitemia rates. The variation of each hemato-biochemical parameter between groups in both the distribution patterns were compared and studied. Variations in haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red cell distribution width revealed a weak correlation with parasitemia rates. However, the between-group variations in biochemical parameters like GGT, TP, albumin, zinc, copper and TIBC were more consistent in the distribution based on chronicity of infection pointing towards the existence of hepatic impairment and trace mineral imbalance specifically in cows persistently infected with theileriosis.