Pub Date : 2024-09-24DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08336-5
Roshmi Biswas, Daniel Barčák, Mikuláš Oros, Bhairab Kumar Patra, Jit Marick, Anirban Ash
The tapeworms belonging to the order Caryophyllidea (Platyhelminthes, Eucestoda) represent a widespread group of intestinal parasites found in cypriniform and siluriform fishes. This group comprises four families (Balanotaeniidae, Capingentidae, Caryophyllaeidae, Lytocestidae), 42 genera and approximately 130 described species. Additionally, over a hundred new taxa have been reported from India. While many of these taxa are endemic and have unique evolutionary importance, a considerable number of putative new taxa were also invalidated because the quality and reliability of the published data did not meet the requirements. Various researchers have synonymised 28 species into a single representative, Lytocestus indicus (Moghe, 1925) Woodland, 1926. Consequently, L. indicus was chosen as a model organism to investigate whether there is taxonomic inflation or hidden diversity. Newly collected specimens of L. indicus were subjected to various fixatives for morphological assessment, and hologenophores of the same were obtained to determine whether true variations exist in their genotype or if they are merely fixation-induced variations. Despite morphological variations associated with fixation, molecular data indicated that they were indeed the same specimens. The taxonomic status of 43 new taxa was critically evaluated, with most of them tentatively synonymised with L. indicus. Others were also found to be conspecific with L. indicus but were classified as unavailable names based on their first description in unpublished dissertations.
{"title":"Taxonomic inflation or hidden diversity: unveiling the fact surrounds Lytocestus indicus (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea).","authors":"Roshmi Biswas, Daniel Barčák, Mikuláš Oros, Bhairab Kumar Patra, Jit Marick, Anirban Ash","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08336-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-024-08336-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The tapeworms belonging to the order Caryophyllidea (Platyhelminthes, Eucestoda) represent a widespread group of intestinal parasites found in cypriniform and siluriform fishes. This group comprises four families (Balanotaeniidae, Capingentidae, Caryophyllaeidae, Lytocestidae), 42 genera and approximately 130 described species. Additionally, over a hundred new taxa have been reported from India. While many of these taxa are endemic and have unique evolutionary importance, a considerable number of putative new taxa were also invalidated because the quality and reliability of the published data did not meet the requirements. Various researchers have synonymised 28 species into a single representative, Lytocestus indicus (Moghe, 1925) Woodland, 1926. Consequently, L. indicus was chosen as a model organism to investigate whether there is taxonomic inflation or hidden diversity. Newly collected specimens of L. indicus were subjected to various fixatives for morphological assessment, and hologenophores of the same were obtained to determine whether true variations exist in their genotype or if they are merely fixation-induced variations. Despite morphological variations associated with fixation, molecular data indicated that they were indeed the same specimens. The taxonomic status of 43 new taxa was critically evaluated, with most of them tentatively synonymised with L. indicus. Others were also found to be conspecific with L. indicus but were classified as unavailable names based on their first description in unpublished dissertations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"123 9","pages":"331"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142308269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08332-9
Julia Martini Falkenberg, Vitória Maria Moreira de Lima, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Ana Carolina Figueiredo Lacerda
This study examined the metrics of the macroparasite community in fishes from the Jaguaribe River basin, state of Ceará, before and after receiving water from the São Francisco River in Northeastern Brazil. This research assessed the association of environmental factors (water parameters) and the traits of 30 fish species on the parasite richness and abundance across space (river course) and time (seasons, pre- and post-transposition periods). Generalized linear models reveal associations between parasite metrics and host traits, water parameters, and river sub-basin. Host size and body condition positively correlated with parasite richness and abundance, while reproductive phase was negatively related. Water quality impacted ecto- and endoparasites differently, with seasonal and sub-basins variations and differences among sub-basins. The general models also indicate that the period is a significant variable, where parasite richness decreases while abundance increases in the post-transposition period. This study underscores the importance of considering diverse environmental and host variables for understanding parasite dynamics in river ecosystems. These findings could lead to valuable insights for ecosystem management and conservation, elucidating the potential consequences of environmental alterations on parasite-host interactions and ecosystem health.
{"title":"Drivers of richness and abundance of parasites of fishes from an intermittent river before and after an interbasin water transfer in the Brazilian semi-arid region","authors":"Julia Martini Falkenberg, Vitória Maria Moreira de Lima, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Ana Carolina Figueiredo Lacerda","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08332-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08332-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study examined the metrics of the macroparasite community in fishes from the Jaguaribe River basin, state of Ceará, before and after receiving water from the São Francisco River in Northeastern Brazil. This research assessed the association of environmental factors (water parameters) and the traits of 30 fish species on the parasite richness and abundance across space (river course) and time (seasons, pre- and post-transposition periods). Generalized linear models reveal associations between parasite metrics and host traits, water parameters, and river sub-basin. Host size and body condition positively correlated with parasite richness and abundance, while reproductive phase was negatively related. Water quality impacted ecto- and endoparasites differently, with seasonal and sub-basins variations and differences among sub-basins. The general models also indicate that the period is a significant variable, where parasite richness decreases while abundance increases in the post-transposition period. This study underscores the importance of considering diverse environmental and host variables for understanding parasite dynamics in river ecosystems. These findings could lead to valuable insights for ecosystem management and conservation, elucidating the potential consequences of environmental alterations on parasite-host interactions and ecosystem health.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08337-4
Sinem Akdeniz, Gozde Nur Akkus, Beyza Avci, Aycan N. Gazyagci, Kader Yildiz
This study aimed to report the presence of Mesocestoides litteratus in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye. Gravid segments were examined microscopically in the faeces of dogs from different shelters located in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces in the central region of Türkiye. Then, genomic DNA obtained from these segments, a 446-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene, and a 350-bp fragment of mitochondrial 12S rRNA were amplified and sequenced. BLASTn search was performed. During light microscopic examination, an egg-filled paruterine organ was observed in the middle part of the segment. Thin-shelled, oval, 35-µm-diameter parasite eggs containing an oncosphere with three pairs of hooklets were observed. The gravid segments were determined as Mesocestoides spp. based on the appearance of the typical paruterine organ. PCR results supported our diagnosis; moreover, according to the BLAST results, it was detected that the species infecting two dogs was 98.01–100% similar to M. litteratus. Praziquantel-containing medication was administered to the infected dogs at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Foxes act as the final host of M. litteratus and the parasite is prevalent in wildlife; however, these animals may disperse the parasite in urban life. Veterinarians need to be made more aware of this parasite, especially if the dogs are owned from shelters.
{"title":"Crossroad between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of Mesocestoides litteratus: mesocestodiasis in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye","authors":"Sinem Akdeniz, Gozde Nur Akkus, Beyza Avci, Aycan N. Gazyagci, Kader Yildiz","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08337-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08337-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study aimed to report the presence of <i>Mesocestoides litteratus</i> in dogs adopted from shelters in Türkiye. Gravid segments were examined microscopically in the faeces of dogs from different shelters located in Ankara and Kirikkale provinces in the central region of Türkiye. Then, genomic DNA obtained from these segments, a 446-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene, and a 350-bp fragment of mitochondrial 12S rRNA were amplified and sequenced. BLASTn search was performed. During light microscopic examination, an egg-filled paruterine organ was observed in the middle part of the segment. Thin-shelled, oval, 35-µm-diameter parasite eggs containing an oncosphere with three pairs of hooklets were observed. The gravid segments were determined as <i>Mesocestoides</i> spp. based on the appearance of the typical paruterine organ. PCR results supported our diagnosis; moreover, according to the BLAST results, it was detected that the species infecting two dogs was 98.01–100% similar to <i>M. litteratus</i>. Praziquantel-containing medication was administered to the infected dogs at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Foxes act as the final host of <i>M. litteratus</i> and the parasite is prevalent in wildlife; however, these animals may disperse the parasite in urban life. Veterinarians need to be made more aware of this parasite, especially if the dogs are owned from shelters.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08339-2
Haley R. Dutton, Stephen A. Bullard, John H. Brule, Anita M. Kelly
We examined several American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) from Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina in August 2022. The intestine of one alligator from Alabama was infected by Dracovermis occidentalis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978 (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Liolopidae Odhner, 1912), a seldom collected and incompletely described trematode that lacks a representative nucleotide sequence. Liolopidae comprises 5 genera and 15 species: Liolope spp. infect giant salamanders; Helicotrema spp. infect turtles and lizards; Harmotrema spp. infect snakes; Paraharmotrema spp. infect turtles; and Dracovermis spp. infect crocodilians. Based on our study of the newly collected specimens and the holotype of D. occidentalis, we redescribe D. occidentalis, correct errors in its original description, and provide an updated phylogeny for Liolopidae that, for the first time, includes Dracovermis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978. Our specimens were identified as D. occidentalis by having testes in the posterior 1/3 of the body, a pretesticular cirrus sac, a spined and eversible cirrus, a bipartite seminal vesicle, and a post-acetabular vitellarium. A phylogenetic analysis of the D1–D3 domains of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S) recovered Liolopidae as monophyletic; however, low taxon sampling in the group precludes hypothesis-testing about liolopid-vertebrate cophyly. This is the first collection for morphological study of the type species for Dracovermis since the genus was proposed 46 years ago, the first record of a liolopid from Alabama, and the first phylogenetic analysis that includes Dracovermis.
2022年8月,我们对路易斯安那州、阿拉巴马州和南卡罗来纳州的几条美洲短吻鳄(Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802))(鳄鱼目:鳄鱼科)进行了检查。来自阿拉巴马州的一条短吻鳄的肠道受到了Dracovermis occidentalis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978(扁形动物:Digenea: Liolopidae Odhner, 1912)的感染,这是一种很少被采集、描述不完整、缺乏代表性核苷酸序列的吸虫。Liolopidae 包括 5 属 15 种:Liolope 属感染大鲵;Helicotrema 属感染龟和蜥蜴;Harmotrema 属感染蛇;Paraharmotrema 属感染龟;Dracovermis 属感染鳄鱼。根据我们对新采集的标本和 D. occidentalis 主模式的研究,我们重新描述了 D. occidentalis,纠正了其原始描述中的错误,并提供了最新的 Liolopidae 系统发育,其中首次包括了 Dracovermis Brooks and Overstreet, 1978。我们的标本通过睾丸位于身体的后 1/3、睾丸前的卷须囊、有棘且可倒转的卷须、双分隔的精囊和髋臼后的玻璃体被鉴定为西氏栉水母(D. occidentalis)。对核大亚基核糖体 DNA(28S)D1-D3 域的系统发生分析表明,犁头鱼科为单系;然而,由于该类群的分类群取样较少,因此无法对犁头鱼科与无脊椎动物的共生关系进行假设检验。这是自 46 年前提出 Dracovermis 属以来首次采集该属的模式种进行形态学研究,也是首次记录来自阿拉巴马州的桡足类,同时也是首次包括 Dracovermis 在内的系统发生学分析。
{"title":"Redescription of Dracovermis occidentalis (Digenea: Liolopidae) infecting American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis from the Bon-Secour River (Mobile–Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, USA) and a revised phylogeny for Liolopidae","authors":"Haley R. Dutton, Stephen A. Bullard, John H. Brule, Anita M. Kelly","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08339-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08339-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p>We examined several American alligators, <i>Alligator mississippiensis</i> (Daudin, 1802) (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) from Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina in August 2022. The intestine of one alligator from Alabama was infected by <i>Dracovermis occidentalis</i> Brooks and Overstreet, 1978 (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Liolopidae Odhner, 1912), a seldom collected and incompletely described trematode that lacks a representative nucleotide sequence. Liolopidae comprises 5 genera and 15 species: <i>Liolope</i> spp. infect giant salamanders; <i>Helicotrema</i> spp. infect turtles and lizards; <i>Harmotrema</i> spp. infect snakes; <i>Paraharmotrema</i> spp. infect turtles; and <i>Dracovermis</i> spp. infect crocodilians. Based on our study of the newly collected specimens and the holotype of <i>D. occidentalis</i>, we redescribe <i>D. occidentalis</i>, correct errors in its original description, and provide an updated phylogeny for Liolopidae that, for the first time, includes <i>Dracovermis</i> Brooks and Overstreet, 1978. Our specimens were identified as <i>D. occidentalis</i> by having testes in the posterior 1/3 of the body, a pretesticular cirrus sac, a spined and eversible cirrus, a bipartite seminal vesicle, and a post-acetabular vitellarium. A phylogenetic analysis of the D1–D3 domains of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA (<i>28S</i>) recovered Liolopidae as monophyletic; however, low taxon sampling in the group precludes hypothesis-testing about liolopid-vertebrate cophyly. This is the first collection for morphological study of the type species for <i>Dracovermis</i> since the genus was proposed 46 years ago, the first record of a liolopid from Alabama, and the first phylogenetic analysis that includes <i>Dracovermis</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study investigates anopheline species diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, employing morphological and molecular methods, focusing on the D3 domain of 28S rRNA (D3) and second internal spacer (ITS2). Ten Anopheline species were identified morphologically and confirmed with molecular markers. While the D3 region demonstrated low level of inter- and intra-specific genetic distance in all the species, ITS2 revealed clear barcoding gap. Among the ten species, A. barbirostris exhibited significant diversity when compared with the sequences from other countries available in GenBank. Further analyses of additional samples of A. barbirostris were carried out using ITS2 and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) markers. Limited variations among the sequences from the islands were observed, suggesting a prevalent single molecular form. However, when compared with the GenBank sequences, our samples formed a separate cluster closely related to the A3 species. The genetic distance between our samples and the A3 cluster was 0.02 for COI but very high (0.104) for ITS2, suggesting a potentially new molecular form or species in the island region. This warrants a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of A. barbirostris in these islands at both genetic and morphometric levels. Overall, these observations added-up the new knowledge in the understanding of anopheline diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and highlight the necessity for continuous molecular investigations to unravel complexities within mosquito population dynamics.
{"title":"Molecular characterization of anopheline species diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, with a particular emphasis on Anopheles barbirostris","authors":"Vidhya Thiruvoth Pachalil, Bhavna Gupta, Anwesh Maile, Ittoop Pulikkottil Sunish","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08348-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08348-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study investigates anopheline species diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, employing morphological and molecular methods, focusing on the D3 domain of 28S rRNA (D3) and second internal spacer (ITS2). Ten Anopheline species were identified morphologically and confirmed with molecular markers. While the D3 region demonstrated low level of inter- and intra-specific genetic distance in all the species, ITS2 revealed clear barcoding gap. Among the ten species, <i>A. barbirostris</i> exhibited significant diversity when compared with the sequences from other countries available in GenBank. Further analyses of additional samples of <i>A. barbirostris</i> were carried out using ITS2 and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) markers. Limited variations among the sequences from the islands were observed, suggesting a prevalent single molecular form. However, when compared with the GenBank sequences, our samples formed a separate cluster closely related to the A3 species. The genetic distance between our samples and the A3 cluster was 0.02 for COI but very high (0.104) for ITS2, suggesting a potentially new molecular form or species in the island region. This warrants a more comprehensive and detailed analysis of <i>A. barbirostris</i> in these islands at both genetic and morphometric levels. Overall, these observations added-up the new knowledge in the understanding of anopheline diversity in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago and highlight the necessity for continuous molecular investigations to unravel complexities within mosquito population dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarcocystis infection in sheep has caused significant economic losses in the livestock industry, and the genetic similarity among Sarcocystis species highlights the need for precise diagnostic methods in sheep. This study developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method targeting COX-1 and 28S rRNA genes to detect Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis gigantea, respectively. The LAMP method exhibited high specificity, selectively amplifying target DNA sequences without cross-reactivity with closely related protozoa, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Detection limits were determined as 3 × 105 copies/L for S. tenella and 6 × 104 copies/L for S. gigantea, enabling sensitive identification of low-level infections. Comparative analysis with conventional PCR on sheep cardiac tissues demonstrated a higher LAMP detection rate (80.0% vs 66.7%). In conclusion, the LAMP method offers superior sensitivity to conventional PCR, allows visual confirmation of results, and provides a rapid diagnostic tool for identifying S. tenella and S. gigantea infection in sheep. However, due to the limitation of sample availability, we were unable to assess all Sarcocystis species that use sheep as intermediate hosts, which warrants further research.
{"title":"Development of a highly specific LAMP assay for detection of Sarcocystis tenella and Sarcocystis gigantea in sheep","authors":"Yajie Chen, Jing Peng, Zifu Zhu, Wen Zhang, Lifang Wang, Jianhai Xu, Qun Liu, Jing Liu","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08349-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08349-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Sarcocystis</i> infection in sheep has caused significant economic losses in the livestock industry, and the genetic similarity among <i>Sarcocystis</i> species highlights the need for precise diagnostic methods in sheep. This study developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method targeting <i>COX-1</i> and <i>28S rRNA</i> genes to detect <i>Sarcocystis tenella</i> and <i>Sarcocystis gigantea</i>, respectively. The LAMP method exhibited high specificity, selectively amplifying target DNA sequences without cross-reactivity with closely related protozoa, such as <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Neospora caninum</i>. Detection limits were determined as 3 × 10<sup>5</sup> copies/L for <i>S. tenella</i> and 6 × 10<sup>4</sup> copies/L for <i>S. gigantea</i>, enabling sensitive identification of low-level infections. Comparative analysis with conventional PCR on sheep cardiac tissues demonstrated a higher LAMP detection rate (80.0% vs 66.7%). In conclusion, the LAMP method offers superior sensitivity to conventional PCR, allows visual confirmation of results, and provides a rapid diagnostic tool for identifying <i>S. tenella</i> and <i>S. gigantea</i> infection in sheep. However, due to the limitation of sample availability, we were unable to assess all <i>Sarcocystis</i> species that use sheep as intermediate hosts, which warrants further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142249782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08344-5
Shumaila Naz, Muhammed Nalcaci, Obaid Hayat, Seray Toz, Azhar Minhas, Shahid Waseem, Yusuf Ozbel
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) stands out as a significant vector-borne endemic in Pakistan. Despite the rising incidence of CL, the genetic diversity of Leishmania species in the country’s endemic regions remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of Leishmania species in CL-endemic areas of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Punjab in Pakistan. Clinical samples from 300 CL patients were put to microscopic examination, real-time ITS-1 PCR, and sequencing. Predominantly affecting males between 16 to 30 years of age, with lesions primarily on hands and faces, the majority presented with nodular and plaque types. Microscopic analysis revealed a positivity rate of 67.8%, while real-time PCR identified 60.98% positive cases, mainly L. tropica, followed by L. infantum and L. major. Leishmania major (p = 0.009) showed substantially greater variation in nucleotide sequences than L. tropica (p = 0.07) and L. infantum (p = 0.03). Nucleotide diversity analysis indicated higher diversity in L. major and L. infantum compared to L. tropica. This study enhances our understanding of CL epidemiology in Pakistan, stressing the crucial role of molecular techniques in accurate species identification. The foundational data provided here emphasizes the necessity for future research to investigate deeper into genetic diversity and its implications for CL control at both individual and community levels.
皮肤利什曼病(CL)是巴基斯坦重要的病媒流行病。尽管皮肤利什曼病的发病率不断上升,但该国流行地区利什曼病菌的遗传多样性仍未得到充分探索。本研究旨在揭示巴基斯坦俾路支省、开伯尔-普赫图赫瓦省(KPK)和旁遮普省 CL 流行地区利什曼原虫的遗传多样性和分子特征。对 300 名 CL 患者的临床样本进行了显微镜检查、实时 ITS-1 PCR 和测序。CL患者主要为16至30岁的男性,皮损主要发生在手部和面部,大多数表现为结节型和斑块型。显微镜分析显示阳性率为 67.8%,而实时 PCR 鉴定出的阳性病例占 60.98%,主要是热带利什曼原虫,其次是幼年利什曼原虫和大体利什曼原虫。与 L. tropica(p = 0.07)和 L. infantum(p = 0.03)相比,大利什曼原虫(p = 0.009)的核苷酸序列变异要大得多。核苷酸多样性分析表明,与 L. tropica 相比,L. major 和 L. infantum 的多样性更高。这项研究加深了我们对巴基斯坦 CL 流行病学的了解,强调了分子技术在准确鉴定物种方面的关键作用。本文提供的基础数据强调了未来研究的必要性,即深入研究遗传多样性及其对个体和群体层面的 CL 控制的影响。
{"title":"Genetic diversity and epidemiological insights into cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan: a comprehensive study on clinical manifestations and molecular characterization of Leishmania species","authors":"Shumaila Naz, Muhammed Nalcaci, Obaid Hayat, Seray Toz, Azhar Minhas, Shahid Waseem, Yusuf Ozbel","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08344-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08344-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) stands out as a significant vector-borne endemic in Pakistan. Despite the rising incidence of CL, the genetic diversity of <i>Leishmania</i> species in the country’s endemic regions remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to uncover the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of <i>Leishmania</i> species in CL-endemic areas of Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Punjab in Pakistan. Clinical samples from 300 CL patients were put to microscopic examination, real-time ITS-1 PCR, and sequencing. Predominantly affecting males between 16 to 30 years of age, with lesions primarily on hands and faces, the majority presented with nodular and plaque types. Microscopic analysis revealed a positivity rate of 67.8%, while real-time PCR identified 60.98% positive cases, mainly <i>L. tropica</i>, followed by <i>L. infantum</i> and <i>L. major. Leishmania major</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.009) showed substantially greater variation in nucleotide sequences than <i>L. tropica</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.07) and <i>L. infantum</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.03)<i>.</i> Nucleotide diversity analysis indicated higher diversity in <i>L. major and L. infantum</i> compared to <i>L. tropica.</i> This study enhances our understanding of CL epidemiology in Pakistan, stressing the crucial role of molecular techniques in accurate species identification. The foundational data provided here emphasizes the necessity for future research to investigate deeper into genetic diversity and its implications for CL control at both individual and community levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08342-7
Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Francesco Chiesa, Isabel Cristina Ribeiro Pires, Carmen Gonzalez Duarte, Selene Rubiola
Sarcocystis is a genus of protozoa with a worldwide distribution infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. Wild boars can harbor at least two species of Sarcocystis, that is, the zoonotic Sarcocystis suihominis, using humans as definitive hosts, and Sarcocystis miescheriana, for which wild and domestic canids serve as definitive hosts. In Portugal, hunting holds significant economic and social importance, and wild boars are among the most appreciated hunted species. As the consumption of wild boar meat can expose humans to several foodborne pathogens, the presence of trained hunters can make a difference in ensuring animal health surveillance and food safety. Herein, we report the detection of macroscopic cystic lesions associated with S. miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption, resulting in carcass condemnation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the presence of S. miescheriana in wild boar tissues has never been associated with macroscopic pathological alterations before. Although S. miescheriana cannot infect humans, carcasses affected by grossly visible pathological changes must be declared unfit for consumption. Therefore, our finding points out the potential economic damage associated with carcass rejection due to the presence of gross lesions associated with generalized sarcocystosis. Nonetheless, further studies are required to investigate these alterations that currently appear to be occasional findings.
Sarcocystis 是一种原生动物属,分布于世界各地,可感染包括人类在内的多种动物。野猪至少可携带两种 Sarcocystis,即以人类为最终宿主的人畜共患 Sarcocystis suihominis,以及以野生和家养犬科动物为最终宿主的 Sarcocystis miescheriana。在葡萄牙,狩猎具有重要的经济和社会意义,野猪是最受欢迎的狩猎物种之一。由于食用野猪肉会使人类接触到多种食源性病原体,因此训练有素的猎人可以在确保动物健康监测和食品安全方面发挥重要作用。在本文中,我们报告了在为人类消费而猎捕的野猪身上发现与 S. miescheriana 相关的宏观囊性病变,并因此对其胴体进行了处理。据作者所知,野猪组织中出现的 S. miescheriana 以前从未与宏观病理变化相关联。虽然 S. miescheriana 不会感染人类,但受明显病理变化影响的胴体必须被宣布为不适合食用。因此,我们的研究结果指出,由于存在与全身性肉眼可见囊肿病相关的严重病变,胴体被拒绝食用可能会造成经济损失。尽管如此,还需要进一步研究这些目前看来只是偶尔发现的病变。
{"title":"Gross lesions associated with Sarcocystis miescheriana in a wild boar hunted for human consumption: the importance of trained hunters to ensure animal health surveillance and food safety","authors":"Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Francesco Chiesa, Isabel Cristina Ribeiro Pires, Carmen Gonzalez Duarte, Selene Rubiola","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08342-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08342-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Sarcocystis</i> is a genus of protozoa with a worldwide distribution infecting a wide range of animals, including humans. Wild boars can harbor at least two species of <i>Sarcocystis</i>, that is, the zoonotic <i>Sarcocystis suihominis</i>, using humans as definitive hosts, and <i>Sarcocystis miescheriana</i>, for which wild and domestic canids serve as definitive hosts. In Portugal, hunting holds significant economic and social importance, and wild boars are among the most appreciated hunted species. As the consumption of wild boar meat can expose humans to several foodborne pathogens, the presence of trained hunters can make a difference in ensuring animal health surveillance and food safety. Herein, we report the detection of macroscopic cystic lesions associated with <i>S. miescheriana</i> in a wild boar hunted for human consumption, resulting in carcass condemnation. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the presence of <i>S. miescheriana</i> in wild boar tissues has never been associated with macroscopic pathological alterations before. Although <i>S. miescheriana</i> cannot infect humans, carcasses affected by grossly visible pathological changes must be declared unfit for consumption. Therefore, our finding points out the potential economic damage associated with carcass rejection due to the presence of gross lesions associated with generalized sarcocystosis. Nonetheless, further studies are required to investigate these alterations that currently appear to be occasional findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2
Mehmet Aykur, Ozlem Barut Selver, Hande Dagci, Melis Palamar
Vermamoeba vermiformis (V.vermiformis) is one of the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) and is frequently found in environments such as natural freshwater areas, surface waters, soil, and biofilms. V. vermiformis has been reported as a pathogen with pathogenic potential for humans and animals. The aim is to report a case of non-Acanthamoeba keratitis in which V. vermiformis was the etiological agent, identified by culture and molecular techniques. Our case was a 48-year-old male patient with a history of trauma to his eye 10 days ago. The patient complained of eye redness and purulent discharge. A slit-lamp examination of the eye revealed a central corneal ulcer with peripheral infiltration extending into the deep stroma. The corneal scraping sample taken from the patient was cultured on a non-nutritious agar plate (NNA). Amoebae were evaluated according to morphological evaluation criteria. It was investigated by PCR method and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Although no bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the routine microbiological evaluation of the corneal scraping sample that was cultured, amoeba growth was detected positively in the NNA culture. Meanwhile, Acanthamoeba was detected negative by real-time PCR. However, V. vermiformis was detected positive with the specific PCR assay. It was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis to be considered an etiological pathogenic agent. Thus, topical administration of chlorhexidine gluconate %0.02 (8 × 1) was initiated. Clinical regression was observed 72 h after chlorhexidine initiation, and complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 5 weeks. In conclusion, corneal infections due to free-living amoebae can occur, especially in poor hygiene. Although Acanthamoeba is the most common keratitis due to amoeba, V. vermiformis is also assumed to associate keratitis in humans. Clinicians should also be aware of other amoebic agents, such as V. vermiformis, in keratitis patients.
蛭形阿米巴(V. vermiformis)是最常见的自由生活阿米巴(FLA)之一,经常出现在自然淡水区域、地表水、土壤和生物膜等环境中。据报道,蛭形阿米巴虫是一种对人类和动物具有潜在致病性的病原体。本文旨在报告一例非阿卡他米巴角膜炎病例,通过培养和分子技术鉴定,蛭形体是该病原体。我们的病例是一名 48 岁的男性患者,10 天前他的眼睛有外伤史。患者主诉眼睛发红并有脓性分泌物。眼部裂隙灯检查发现角膜中央溃疡,周边浸润延伸至深层基质。在无营养琼脂平板(NNA)上对患者的角膜刮取样本进行了培养。根据形态学评估标准对阿米巴进行评估。通过聚合酶链反应(PCR)方法对阿米巴进行检测,并通过 DNA 序列分析加以确认。虽然在对角膜刮片样本进行常规微生物学评估时未检测到细菌或真菌生长,但在 NNA 培养中检测到阿米巴生长呈阳性。同时,通过实时 PCR 检测,棘阿米巴呈阴性。然而,通过特异性聚合酶链式反应(PCR)测定,检测到荚膜蛭石呈阳性。经 DNA 序列分析证实,它是一种致病病原体。因此,开始局部使用葡萄糖酸氯己定 0.02%(8×1)。开始使用洗必泰 72 小时后,临床症状有所缓解,5 周后角膜炎完全消退,但仍有瘢痕残留。总之,游离阿米巴原虫可引起角膜感染,尤其是在卫生条件较差的情况下。虽然阿米巴原虫是最常见的角膜炎原虫,但蛭形阿米巴原虫也可能引起人类角膜炎。临床医生还应注意角膜炎患者中的其他阿米巴原虫,如蛭形病毒。
{"title":"Vermamoeba vermiformis as the etiological agent in a patient with suspected non-Acanthamoeba keratitis","authors":"Mehmet Aykur, Ozlem Barut Selver, Hande Dagci, Melis Palamar","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08347-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i> (<i>V.</i> <i>vermiformis</i>) is one of the most common free-living amoeba (FLA) and is frequently found in environments such as natural freshwater areas, surface waters, soil, and biofilms. <i>V. </i><i>vermiformis</i> has been reported as a pathogen with pathogenic potential for humans and animals<i>.</i> The aim is to report a case of non-<i>Acanthamoeba</i> keratitis in which <i>V. vermiformis</i> was the etiological agent, identified by culture and molecular techniques. Our case was a 48-year-old male patient with a history of trauma to his eye 10 days ago. The patient complained of eye redness and purulent discharge. A slit-lamp examination of the eye revealed a central corneal ulcer with peripheral infiltration extending into the deep stroma. The corneal scraping sample taken from the patient was cultured on a non-nutritious agar plate (NNA). Amoebae were evaluated according to morphological evaluation criteria. It was investigated by PCR method and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. Although no bacterial or fungal growth was detected in the routine microbiological evaluation of the corneal scraping sample that was cultured, amoeba growth was detected positively in the NNA culture. Meanwhile, <i>Acanthamoeba</i> was detected negative by real-time PCR. However, <i>V. vermiformis</i> was detected positive with the specific PCR assay. It was confirmed by DNA sequence analysis to be considered an etiological pathogenic agent. Thus, topical administration of chlorhexidine gluconate %0.02 (8 × 1) was initiated. Clinical regression was observed 72 h after chlorhexidine initiation, and complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 5 weeks. In conclusion, corneal infections due to free-living amoebae can occur, especially in poor hygiene. Although <i>Acanthamoeba</i> is the most common keratitis due to amoeba, <i>V. vermiformis</i> is also assumed to associate keratitis in humans. Clinicians should also be aware of other amoebic agents, such as <i>V. vermiformis</i>, in keratitis patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"60 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-10DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08343-6
Pooja Bharti, Abid Hussain Bhat, Fayaz Hussain Mir, Shabir Ahmad Rather, Syed Tanveer, Zahoor Ahmad Wani
Globally, the poultry industry is seriously threatened by coccidiosis caused by various species of Eimeria. This protozoan parasite inhabits the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry globally and can cause serious clinical disease. The present study was carried out on poultry farms located in various regions of Kashmir, India, to investigate the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of Eimeria species affecting broiler chickens. Over a period of one year, fecal samples were collected from 60 poultry farms in Kashmir and morphological and molecular techniques were employed for Eimeria species identification. Results revealed a high prevalence of coccidiosis, with 58.3% (35/60) of farms positive for Eimeria. The most prevalent species were E. tenella (31/35, 88.6%) followed by E. acervulina (25/35, 71.4%), E. maxima (19/35, 54.3%), E. mitis (18/35, 51.4%), and E. necatrix (9/35, 25.7%). Seasonal variation in prevalence was also observed, with the highest rates in autumn (86.7%) and summer (66.7%). Additionally, younger birds (3–4 weeks) exhibited higher infection rates (85.7%) compared to older birds (57.9%) (5–6 weeks). Mixed infection was found in 94.2% (33/35) of positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis using ITS1 sequences confirmed species clustering and revealed evolutionary relationships among Eimeria species. E. tenella and E. necatrix formed a distinct clade, while E. acervulina formed another. The study underscores the importance of molecular techniques in accurate species identification and provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of coccidiosis in poultry in Kashmir. Effective control strategies, including vaccination and improved management practices, are necessary to mitigate the economic losses associated with this widespread poultry disease.
{"title":"Molecular phylogenetic analysis and seasonal dynamics of Eimeria species infecting broilers of Kashmir, India","authors":"Pooja Bharti, Abid Hussain Bhat, Fayaz Hussain Mir, Shabir Ahmad Rather, Syed Tanveer, Zahoor Ahmad Wani","doi":"10.1007/s00436-024-08343-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08343-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Globally, the poultry industry is seriously threatened by coccidiosis caused by various species of <i>Eimeria</i>. This protozoan parasite inhabits the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract of poultry globally and can cause serious clinical disease. The present study was carried out on poultry farms located in various regions of Kashmir, India, to investigate the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of <i>Eimeria</i> species affecting broiler chickens. Over a period of one year, fecal samples were collected from 60 poultry farms in Kashmir and morphological and molecular techniques were employed for <i>Eimeria</i> species identification. Results revealed a high prevalence of coccidiosis, with 58.3% (35/60) of farms positive for <i>Eimeria</i>. The most prevalent species were <i>E. tenella</i> (31/35, 88.6%) followed by <i>E. acervulina</i> (25/35, 71.4%), <i>E. maxima</i> (19/35, 54.3%), <i>E. mitis</i> (18/35, 51.4%), and <i>E. necatrix</i> (9/35, 25.7%). Seasonal variation in prevalence was also observed, with the highest rates in autumn (86.7%) and summer (66.7%). Additionally, younger birds (3–4 weeks) exhibited higher infection rates (85.7%) compared to older birds (57.9%) (5–6 weeks). Mixed infection was found in 94.2% (33/35) of positive farms. Phylogenetic analysis using ITS1 sequences confirmed species clustering and revealed evolutionary relationships among <i>Eimeria</i> species. <i>E. tenella</i> and <i>E. necatrix</i> formed a distinct clade, while <i>E. acervulina</i> formed another. The study underscores the importance of molecular techniques in accurate species identification and provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of coccidiosis in poultry in Kashmir. Effective control strategies, including vaccination and improved management practices, are necessary to mitigate the economic losses associated with this widespread poultry disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"290 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142219804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}