Parasitology Research最新文献

This pilot study is the first in Iran that evaluates the effectiveness of thermotherapy compared to intralesional Glucantime® in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica. Forty patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis were separated into two groups, each consisting of 20 patients. The control group received intralesional Glucantime® weekly for 8 weeks, while the other group received a single session of thermotherapy for each lesion using ThermoMedTM model 1.8. The patients were monitored for 6 months, during which the outcomes were evaluated by considering the dimensions, consistency, and rates of remission of the lesions. The terms "initial remission" and "complete remission" were clearly defined, and any instances of therapy failure were documented. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0, employing independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Both treatment groups exhibited considerable decreases in lesion size and enhanced texture, with no statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, the group that underwent thermotherapy demonstrated a more significant decrease in lesion size and improvement in texture after 6 months. The remission rates were similar; however, Glucantime® achieved a faster remission. No significant side effects were recorded in either group. The present study showed that thermotherapy was equally effective as intralesional Glucantime® in treating anthroponotic leishmaniasis. Thermotherapy can be considered as an alternative, especially when Glucantime® cannot be used, even though it requires further research.

Brazil is a major pig-producing country with production systems that include both industrial and family farms. In these facilities, parasitic diseases present an obstacle to production. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of the gastrointestinal parasites that infect pigs as well as to provide information for producers through extension activities. Visits were made to 15 pig farms in cities in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Fecal samples were collected, questionnaires administered, and extension activities conducted. A total of 1,148 samples were collected: 299 from family farms and 849 from industrial farms. Stool samples were subjected to direct examination, sedimentation, flotation, and FLOTAC techniques. The most frequently detected parasites were cysts and trophozoites of the Ciliophora group, non-sporulated coccidian oocysts, eggs of Trichuris suis, strongyles, Strongyloides ransomi, and Ascaris suum. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in parasite presence and egg counts, with family farms exhibiting higher parasite burdens (p < 0.0001). Several risk factors were associated with the frequency of parasite infection, including the arrangement of watering systems on the pen floors and the type-or absence-of antiparasitic medication provided. Among the extension activities implemented, the "happy pig and sad pig" activity and "homework correction" stood out. These results highlighted the need for improvements in national pig production. This includes the development of programs offering credit, assistance, and training for pig producers to aid in the control of these parasites, with a focus on production and animal welfare.

Ligulosis is an important parasitic disease of freshwater fish, causing serious economic losses in the fisheries industry. In this study, we report the distribution of Ligula pavlovskii in avian definitive hosts in Türkiye and the first genetically confirmed presence of this species in Podiceps cristatus (great crested grebe). To achieve this, the mitochondrial cox1 gene region was used for molecular characterization and phylogenetic assessment. The population structure was evaluated by applying haplotype diversity, DNA polymorphism, and neutrality tests to the sequences obtained. Visual representations of Ligula isolate from Türkiye were created using alluvial diagrams (molecularly identified) and sunburst diagrams (morphologically identified). Although only the cox1 marker was used in this study, the results provide reliable molecular support for species identification. The data obtained provide important contributions to the literature on the distribution and genetic diversity of Ligula spp. in Türkiye.

Human toxocariasis presents in several forms, including visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, covert toxocariasis, and neurotoxocariasis. Although several studies suggest a potential link between toxocariasis and epilepsy, this link is still debated. Additional mechanistic and experimental studies in animal models are essential for a better understanding of this association. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between neurotoxocariasis and epilepsy in an animal model. In this study, 24 male Swiss albino rats were used. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups of eight: group I (normal control), group II (received pilocarpine hydrochloride in a single dose of 400 mg/kg body), and group III (infected with Toxocara canis). Several parameters were used to evaluate the possible link between toxocariasis and epilepsy, including clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. All rats in group III exhibited motor seizures 10 to 15 days post-infection, with no significant difference noticed regarding the maximum stage of seizures when compared with group II. Our study revealed definite structural and functional changes in the brain tissue, evidenced by the recorded histopathological changes, the increased GFAP, MMP2, and TNF-α expression, and the significant disturbances in neurotransmitter profile. Furthermore, a state of oxidative stress was noticed, with a significant increase in serum IL-6 levels. Our results indicate that the migration of Toxocara canis larvae to the central nervous system can result in significant structural changes and shifts in neurotransmitter levels, both of which may play a role in the development of epilepsy. Additionally, this research underscores the importance of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in contributing to neuronal damage. These findings open avenues for future research aimed at identifying possible therapeutic targets and interventions to alleviate the neurological effects of toxocariasis.

A key limitation of current synthetic treatments of scabies is their focus on eliminating the mites rather than addressing the body's immune response or tissue healing, potentially fostering drug resistance and prolonging recovery. Melatonin, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, presents a potential solution. Consequently, this research seeks to assess the value of melatonin supplementation as complementary therapy in Sarcoptes scabiei mite infestation. The study included 25 male crossbreed rabbits, divided into five groups of five rabbits each: group I (a negative control); group II (a positive control); group III (infected and treated with melatonin); group IV (infected and treated with ivermectin); and group V (infected and treated with melatonin and ivermectin). Clinical and parasitological assessments were conducted from day 0 till day 28 post-treatment. Serum and tissue samples were collected at the end of day 28 post-treatment for subsequent histopathological, biochemical, and immunological analyses. Our research indicated that combining melatonin with ivermectin (group V) significantly accelerated clinical improvement compared to using ivermectin alone (group IV). Melatonin also lessened the side effects of ivermectin seen in group IV and effectively alleviated itching in group V. Skin analysis of group V revealed nearly full healing and the absence of mites, unlike group IV, which still showed inflammation and dead mites. Supporting these findings, blood tests in group V demonstrated a significant improvement in biochemical and immunological markers compared to group IV. Infestation with Sarcoptes mites disrupts the balance between oxidants and antioxidants and triggers systemic inflammation. Supplementing melatonin can help restore this balance and reduce inflammation, thereby accelerating cure in affected rabbits. Therefore, melatonin is suggested as an adjunct therapy with ivermectin, particularly in severe scabies cases, and future research should explore optimal dosages and treatment regimens.

Ehrlichia ruminantium, the causative agent of heartwater, is a tick-borne pathogen affecting livestock in Africa and the Caribbean. This disease is transmitted primarily by Amblyomma variegatum ticks and poses a significant threat to animal health. In Madagascar, the prevalence of E. ruminantium remains poorly documented. During a Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in Mananjary, Madagascar (April-May 2021), we conducted a field study to assess the circulation of vector-borne pathogens in ticks collected from ruminants. Ticks were morphologically identified, and DNA was extracted for quantitative PCR targeting the pCS20 gene of E. ruminantium. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between tick infection status, ruminant health, and infestation levels. A total of 332 ticks were collected from 25 ruminants. The tick species identified included Rhipicephalus microplus (51.5%) and Amblyomma variegatum (48.2%). E. ruminantium DNA was detected in 5.1% (17/332) of ticks, consisting of 16 A. variegatum and one R. microplus, with the majority being male. No association was observed between ruminant clinical signs and the presence of infected ticks. This study provides the first molecular evidence of E. ruminantium circulation in ticks from Madagascar during an RVF outbreak. Our findings emphasize the need for improved disease surveillance and integrated tick control strategies to mitigate the impact of heartwater on livestock.

Human scabies is an arthropod-borne disease considered a public health problem in some countries worldwide, and its incidence is increasing with rising temperatures in various regions. This is a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study conducted from 2016 to 2024. Disease data were obtained from the Center for Disease Control of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. Geographically weighted regression, kriging, and inverse distance weighting were used to investigate spatial correlation and model the disease by ArcMap GIS 10.8.2 software. The prevalence of scabies has increased from 6 per 100,000 people in 2016 to 13.22 in 2024. High-risk areas for the disease detected in the central region have a standard deviation of 1.5-2.5% higher than other regions of the province; this region is considered a critical hotspot for scabies with 84.66% of cases being female and 15.34% male (P < 0.05). The more than doubling of the disease prevalence in Ardabil province and the dispersion of the disease in various regions, especially the central regions, should be considered by health officials in Ardabil province.

Corneal exposure to trophozoites of Acanthamoeba spp. may lead to Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK)-a rare, but sight-threatening disease-with a risk of recurrence due to residual stromal cysts. With polyhexanide (PHMB) and chlorhexidine (CHX) often constituting the standard regimen of therapy, polymeric compounds for the treatment of AK have shifted into the focus of research. In this study, the effectiveness of four 4,4'-trimethylenedipyridinium (TMDPy), 4,4'-trimethylenedipiperidinium (TMDPi)-based polymers, and polyquaternium-1 on Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts has been evaluated and their interactions with cells characterized. A total eradication assay was performed to assess the efficacy of the investigated compounds, while its effects on host cells and the barrier integrity of epithelial cell layers were evaluated via MTT assays and the relative reduction of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The 4,4'-trimethylenedipyridinium and 4,4'-trimethylenedipiperidinium-based compounds exhibited a high efficacy against trophozoites (< 20 µg/mL), while the cysticidal activity proved to be considerably lower (< 500 µg/mL). The detrimental effect on viability of host cells was time-dependent, while a near total reduction of TEER was observed within the first 15 min of exposure, leading to the conclusion that this class of polymers may not be adequate for therapeutic purposes, but possibly find use as preservatives for contact lens storage solutions.

The American mink Neogale vison is native to North America and was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although N. vison is not yet listed as an invasive species in Europe, it is suspected of having negative impacts on native ecosystems. The native European mink Mustela lutreola is considered highly endangered in Europe and the population is continuously declining. It is assumed that the American mink is having an impact on the remaining populations. 50 American mink from Central Europe (Hesse/Germany) were comprehensively examined parasitologically through necropsy and fecal analysis. Further, an extensive literature search on parasitization was done to compare the American and European mink in Europe. Nine parasite species (two ecto- and seven endoparasites) could be identified parasitizing N. vison in this study. Through necropsy, the highest prevalence was achieved by Ixodes ticks with > 65.0%, the most common endoparasite was Isthmiophiora melis with 24.0%. Capillaria putorii and C. aerophila were detected in American mink in Germany for the first time by this investigation. The literature search resulted in the identification of 65 parasite species in twelve European countries for N. vison and 37 parasite species in six European countries for M. lutreola. Neogale vison is superior in body size, establishing well in Europe, appears to carry a more diverse parasite fauna and seems to be in direct competition to the disappearing European mink.

Over a century has passed since the discovery that the female anopheline mosquito is a vector of malaria, prompting extensive efforts to combat the disease. Vector control remains the primary malaria prevention strategy, accounting for a remarkable 65% reduction in malaria cases between 2000 and 2015. A thorough understanding of the fundamental biology of malaria vectors is essential for national malaria control programmes, governments, and local communities to implement sustainable and effective vector control measures. This article explores the key aspects of mosquito biology, such as adult and juvenile life stages, the intrinsic incubation period, and blood-seeking behaviour, within the context of the mosquito life cycle. By emphasizing the importance of this knowledge, we illustrate how it can inform community-level control initiatives and guide national programmes in designing more effective interventions for vector-borne disease management. Furthermore, the article underscores how researchers can harness these biological insights to develop and deploy innovative tools that have the potential to revolutionize malaria control efforts.