Pub Date : 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103226
Ricardo Bassini-Silva , Luís Fernando da Cruz , Julia Takatsu Carvalho , Victor de Souza Mello-Oliveira , Isabella Pereira Pesenato , Ana Cláudia Calchi , Ana Carolina Castro-Santiago , Lívia de Oliveira Andrade , Gabriela da Silva Zampim , Rafael de Oliveira Bonaldo , Luiz Fernando Denadai Miranda , Maria Eduarda Borges Seixas Subutzki , Raul Fávero Perrone , Rosiléia Marinho de Quadros , Tatiana Evelyn Hayama Ueno , Estevam Guilherme Lux Hoppe , Marcos Rogério André , José Maurício Barbanti Duarte , Cristiane dos Santos Cruz Piveta , Marcelo Bahia Labruna , Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius
Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese), the tropical fowl mite from the family Macronyssidae, is a hematophagous ectoparasite of birds with increasing importance in human and animal health. This study reports new cases of human parasitism associated with O. bursa in Brazil, involving direct contact with avian hosts or their nests. These cases include new geographic records in the states of São Paulo and Santa Catarina, and new associations with bird species, including the first known record in Amazona aestiva (Psittaciformes). Molecular analysis was performed on individual mites to characterize the species and investigate associated microorganisms. This study provides the first partial sequence of the cox1 gene for O. bursa and the first phylogenetic analysis for the family using this marker. Additionally, we report the first detection of Ehrlichia and Wolbachia in Brazilian specimens. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA sequences placed the Ehrlichia haplotype close to strains previously detected in Haemaphysalis spp. ticks and the Wolbachia haplotype within supergroup E. These findings expand our understanding of the ecological and microbial diversity of O. bursa, highlighting its public health relevance, and emphasize the need for further studies on its vector potential and evolutionary relationships.
法氏鸟螨（Ornithonyssus bursa, Berlese）是一种热带禽螨属螨科，是鸟类的食血体外寄生虫，对人类和动物健康的重要性日益增加。本研究报告了巴西与奥氏囊虫相关的人类寄生虫新病例，涉及与禽类宿主或其巢穴的直接接触。这些案例包括圣保罗州和圣卡塔琳娜州的新地理记录，以及与鸟类物种的新联系，包括亚马逊aestiva（鹦鹉目）的第一个已知记录。对单个螨进行分子分析，以表征物种并调查相关微生物。本研究提供了O. bursa cox1基因的第一个部分序列，并首次使用该标记对该家族进行了系统发育分析。此外，我们报告首次在巴西标本中检测到埃利希体和沃尔巴克体。基于16S rRNA序列的系统发育分析表明，埃利希体单倍型与以前在蜱血蜱中检测到的菌株接近，沃尔巴克氏体单倍型在e超群中。这些发现扩大了我们对法氏体O. bursa的生态和微生物多样性的理解，突出了其公共卫生相关性，并强调了进一步研究其载体潜力和进化关系的必要性。
{"title":"Sleeping with the enemy II: Expanding the ecological, molecular, and epidemiological knowledge of the tropical fowl mite, Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888)","authors":"Ricardo Bassini-Silva , Luís Fernando da Cruz , Julia Takatsu Carvalho , Victor de Souza Mello-Oliveira , Isabella Pereira Pesenato , Ana Cláudia Calchi , Ana Carolina Castro-Santiago , Lívia de Oliveira Andrade , Gabriela da Silva Zampim , Rafael de Oliveira Bonaldo , Luiz Fernando Denadai Miranda , Maria Eduarda Borges Seixas Subutzki , Raul Fávero Perrone , Rosiléia Marinho de Quadros , Tatiana Evelyn Hayama Ueno , Estevam Guilherme Lux Hoppe , Marcos Rogério André , José Maurício Barbanti Duarte , Cristiane dos Santos Cruz Piveta , Marcelo Bahia Labruna , Fernando de Castro Jacinavicius","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ornithonyssus bursa</em> (Berlese), the tropical fowl mite from the family Macronyssidae, is a hematophagous ectoparasite of birds with increasing importance in human and animal health. This study reports new cases of human parasitism associated with <em>O. bursa</em> in Brazil, involving direct contact with avian hosts or their nests. These cases include new geographic records in the states of São Paulo and Santa Catarina, and new associations with bird species, including the first known record in <em>Amazona aestiva</em> (Psittaciformes). Molecular analysis was performed on individual mites to characterize the species and investigate associated microorganisms. This study provides the first partial sequence of the <em>cox1</em> gene for <em>O. bursa</em> and the first phylogenetic analysis for the family using this marker. Additionally, we report the first detection of <em>Ehrlichia</em> and <em>Wolbachia</em> in Brazilian specimens. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA sequences placed the <em>Ehrlichia</em> haplotype close to strains previously detected in <em>Haemaphysalis</em> spp. ticks and the <em>Wolbachia</em> haplotype within supergroup E. These findings expand our understanding of the ecological and microbial diversity of <em>O. bursa</em>, highlighting its public health relevance, and emphasize the need for further studies on its vector potential and evolutionary relationships.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103226"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-24DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103225
Sonia María Koppel Moreira , Angel Virgilio Cedeño Moreira , Camilo Alexander Mestanza Uquillas , Carolina Fonseca Restrepo , Victor Montes Zambrano , Naga Raju Maddela
Dirofilaria immitis, the etiologic agent of heartworm disease in dogs, is a mosquito-borne nematode that primarily affects the cardiopulmonary system. The objective of this study was to morphologically and molecularly characterize the nematodes found in a naturally infected dog in the Sucre canton of Ecuador. It is a tropical coastal region with favorable conditions for vector proliferation, but with limited epidemiological information. The necropsy of the infected dog revealed adult nematodes located in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries, exhibiting the sexual dimorphism characteristic of D. immitis. Parasites were molecularly analyzed using PCR amplification of the cox1 and 18S rRNA genes, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic comparison with reference strains from the NCBI/GenBank database. All isolates showed 100 % query coverage, with identities ranging from 99 to 100 % with known D. immitis strains. Phylogenetic trees constructed using the Maximum Likelihood and Neighbor-Joining methods positioned local isolates within well-supported D. immitis clades, indicating high genetic similarity with reference strains from Asia, Europe, and South America. This integrated diagnostic approach highlights the value of combining morphological and molecular tools for accurate parasite identification. Furthermore, the study provides essential reference data for veterinary surveillance programs on the Ecuadorian coast. This information supports the implementation of early diagnosis, control, and prevention strategies, contributing to improving the health of domestic dogs and reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission in vulnerable tropical ecosystems.
{"title":"Morpho-molecular identification of heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in domestic dogs in the Sucre canton, Ecuador","authors":"Sonia María Koppel Moreira , Angel Virgilio Cedeño Moreira , Camilo Alexander Mestanza Uquillas , Carolina Fonseca Restrepo , Victor Montes Zambrano , Naga Raju Maddela","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Dirofilaria immitis</em>, the etiologic agent of heartworm disease in dogs, is a mosquito-borne nematode that primarily affects the cardiopulmonary system. The objective of this study was to morphologically and molecularly characterize the nematodes found in a naturally infected dog in the Sucre canton of Ecuador. It is a tropical coastal region with favorable conditions for vector proliferation, but with limited epidemiological information. The necropsy of the infected dog revealed adult nematodes located in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries, exhibiting the sexual dimorphism characteristic of <em>D. immitis</em>. Parasites were molecularly analyzed using PCR amplification of the <em>cox1</em> and <em>18S rRNA</em> genes, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic comparison with reference strains from the NCBI/GenBank database. All isolates showed 100 % query coverage, with identities ranging from 99 to 100 % with known <em>D. immitis</em> strains. Phylogenetic trees constructed using the Maximum Likelihood and Neighbor-Joining methods positioned local isolates within well-supported <em>D. immitis</em> clades, indicating high genetic similarity with reference strains from Asia, Europe, and South America. This integrated diagnostic approach highlights the value of combining morphological and molecular tools for accurate parasite identification. Furthermore, the study provides essential reference data for veterinary surveillance programs on the Ecuadorian coast. This information supports the implementation of early diagnosis, control, and prevention strategies, contributing to improving the health of domestic dogs and reducing the risk of zoonotic transmission in vulnerable tropical ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103225"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103224
Takeshi Hatta
Ticks, infamous vectors of various pathogens, have evolved a unique strategy of saliva secretion during long-term feeding to suppress host defense mechanisms, including immune responses. This phenomenon may be a potential strategy to treat immune disorders and other diseases, offering a promising opportunity for exploiting parasite biology and parasite-derived molecules in drug discovery. This review examines the therapeutic potential of components in tick saliva, focusing on their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. It also discusses tick-derived immunomodulators, such as chemokine-binding proteins and complement inhibitors, that are currently attracting attention from the perspective of therapeutic drug development. Specifically, Ornithodoros moubata complement inhibitor (nomacopan), a C5 complement inhibitor contained in saliva from the soft tick O. moubata, has reached Phase III clinical trial status for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy and is considered an advanced research model in tick-derived drug development. The diverse and potent immunomodulatory properties of tick saliva molecules make them a potentially rich source for the identification and development of novel therapeutics, particularly for immune-mediated diseases.
{"title":"Tick saliva molecules as potential immunomodulatory therapeutics","authors":"Takeshi Hatta","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks, infamous vectors of various pathogens, have evolved a unique strategy of saliva secretion during long-term feeding to suppress host defense mechanisms, including immune responses. This phenomenon may be a potential strategy to treat immune disorders and other diseases, offering a promising opportunity for exploiting parasite biology and parasite-derived molecules in drug discovery. This review examines the therapeutic potential of components in tick saliva, focusing on their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. It also discusses tick-derived immunomodulators, such as chemokine-binding proteins and complement inhibitors, that are currently attracting attention from the perspective of therapeutic drug development. Specifically, <em>Ornithodoros moubata</em> complement inhibitor (nomacopan), a C5 complement inhibitor contained in saliva from the soft tick <em>O. moubata</em>, has reached Phase III clinical trial status for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy and is considered an advanced research model in tick-derived drug development. The diverse and potent immunomodulatory properties of tick saliva molecules make them a potentially rich source for the identification and development of novel therapeutics, particularly for immune-mediated diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145805287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-14DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103221
Marjorie de Giacometi , Yan Wahast Islabão , Alexia Brauner de Mello , Filipe Obelar Martins , Melinda Gomes Victor , Camila Belmonte Oliveira
Trichomonas gallinae is the protozoan that causes avian trichomonosis, a disease affecting the upper digestive tract of birds and leading to proliferative lesions. The 5-nitroimidazoles, especially metronidazole, are the only recommended treatment, but emerging resistance highlights the need for alternatives. Ciprofloxacin (CP) and norfloxacin (NOR) are fluoroquinolones, and nitrofurantoin (NF) is a nitrofuran; all of which show broad-spectrum activity against bacterial and parasitic infections. This study evaluated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of these antibiotics on T. gallinae trophozoites and determined the mean inhibitory concentration (IC50), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the mortality curve, in addition to demonstrating the morphological changes caused in the trophozoites. The antibiotics were tested at the following concentration ranges: 5–0.1 mg/mL (CP), 10–0.25 mg/mL (NOR), and 5–0.03 mg/mL (NF). Efficacy was observed at the highest concentrations (5 mg/mL for CP and NF; 10 mg/mL for NOR) after 24 h, with approximately 100 % inhibition of trophozoite growth. In the determination of IC₅₀ values, NF showed the lowest value (0.069 mg/mL), followed by CP (0.27 mg/mL) and NOR (0.71 mg/mL). The activity of antibiotics against T. gallinae began in the first hour of incubation, with over 98 % inhibition for NOR compared to approximately 65 % for CP and NF. After 12 h, inhibition of >95 % was observed, reaching 100 % in 48 h for all antibiotics. These results demonstrated that CP, NOR, and NF were promising antibiotics for the in vitro treatment of avian trichomonosis. All tested antibiotics induced significant morphological changes in trophozoites, including flagellar internalization, vacuolization, and pseudocyst-like formations. In silico studies were carried out with relevant Trichomonas proteins which showed potential mechanistic pathways of CP and NOR.
{"title":"Avian trichomonosis: An innovative approach in drug redirection with Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, and Nitrofurantoin","authors":"Marjorie de Giacometi , Yan Wahast Islabão , Alexia Brauner de Mello , Filipe Obelar Martins , Melinda Gomes Victor , Camila Belmonte Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103221","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trichomonas gallinae</em> is the protozoan that causes avian trichomonosis, a disease affecting the upper digestive tract of birds and leading to proliferative lesions<em>.</em> The 5-nitroimidazoles, especially metronidazole, are the only recommended treatment, but emerging resistance highlights the need for alternatives. Ciprofloxacin (CP) and norfloxacin (NOR) are fluoroquinolones, and nitrofurantoin (NF) is a nitrofuran; all of which show broad-spectrum activity against bacterial and parasitic infections. This study evaluated the <em>in vitro</em> antiparasitic activity of these antibiotics on <em>T. gallinae</em> trophozoites and determined the mean inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the mortality curve, in addition to demonstrating the morphological changes caused in the trophozoites. The antibiotics were tested at the following concentration ranges: 5–0.1 mg/mL (CP), 10–0.25 mg/mL (NOR), and 5–0.03 mg/mL (NF). Efficacy was observed at the highest concentrations (5 mg/mL for CP and NF; 10 mg/mL for NOR) after 24 h, with approximately 100 % inhibition of trophozoite growth. In the determination of IC₅₀ values, NF showed the lowest value (0.069 mg/mL), followed by CP (0.27 mg/mL) and NOR (0.71 mg/mL). The activity of antibiotics against <em>T. gallinae</em> began in the first hour of incubation, with over 98 % inhibition for NOR compared to approximately 65 % for CP and NF. After 12 h, inhibition of >95 % was observed, reaching 100 % in 48 h for all antibiotics. These results demonstrated that CP, NOR, and NF were promising antibiotics for the <em>in vitro</em> treatment of avian trichomonosis. All tested antibiotics induced significant morphological changes in trophozoites, including flagellar internalization, vacuolization, and pseudocyst-like formations. <em>In silico</em> studies were carried out with relevant <em>Trichomonas</em> proteins which showed potential mechanistic pathways of CP and NOR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103221"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145768799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103222
Carina Basset , Kevin D. Steffen , Lorena De Felice , Bruno Fitte , Paula L. Olaizola , M. Laura Gos , Juan M. Unzaga
Cryptosporidium infection in goats has been reported in several countries. However, information is scarce for South America, including Argentina. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium spp. infections in adult goats of 11 rural communities from Luracatao Valley (Argentina), and to evaluate associated risk factors through socio-productive surveys. Fecal samples were collected of 409 adult goats from 51 family farms. Oocysts compatible with Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 0.48 % (2/409) of samples by microscopy. A total of 4.89 % (20/409) of goats and 36.36 % (4/11) of communities tested positive by nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene fragments. The sequences were consistent with C. ubiquitum (n = 15), C. xiaoi (n = 3), and C. parvum (n = 2). 51 surveys were conducted with goat-raising families, providing contextual data on herd management, health practices, and environmental conditions. Multivariate analysis showed a significant protective association between antiparasitic treatment and Cryptosporidium infection (OR = 0.073; p < 0.05). These findings provide valuable information to better understand cryptosporidiosis in family goat systems, a system that is often overlooked in public policy, despite goats being a significant source of livelihood for many families.
{"title":"Cryptosporidium spp. in adult goats from family farms in northwestern Argentina: Prevalence and epidemiological insights","authors":"Carina Basset , Kevin D. Steffen , Lorena De Felice , Bruno Fitte , Paula L. Olaizola , M. Laura Gos , Juan M. Unzaga","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection in goats has been reported in several countries. However, information is scarce for South America, including Argentina. This study aimed to identify <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. infections in adult goats of 11 rural communities from Luracatao Valley (Argentina), and to evaluate associated risk factors through socio-productive surveys. Fecal samples were collected of 409 adult goats from 51 family farms. Oocysts compatible with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. were detected in 0.48 % (2/409) of samples by microscopy. A total of 4.89 % (20/409) of goats and 36.36 % (4/11) of communities tested positive by nested PCR targeting <em>18S rRNA</em> gene fragments. The sequences were consistent with <em>C. ubiquitum</em> (<em>n</em> = 15), <em>C. xiaoi</em> (<em>n</em> = 3), and <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 2). 51 surveys were conducted with goat-raising families, providing contextual data on herd management, health practices, and environmental conditions. Multivariate analysis showed a significant protective association between antiparasitic treatment and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection (OR = 0.073; <em>p</em> < 0.05). These findings provide valuable information to better understand cryptosporidiosis in family goat systems, a system that is often overlooked in public policy, despite goats being a significant source of livelihood for many families.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103222"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145743732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nocardia species produce diverse bioactive secondary metabolites, with potential applications against antibiotic resistance and vector-borne diseases. This study characterizes a metabolite from Nocardia fluminea strain N2, isolated from soils in Tehran, Iran, and evaluates its dual antibacterial and larvicidal activities. The strain, identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, and its metabolite production was monitored. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed using agar well diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, while larvicidal toxicity was evaluated by determining the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC₅₀) and 90 (LC₉₀). The metabolite's chemical composition was elucidated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. The metabolite exhibited potent antibacterial effects, demonstrating significant inhibition zones (>15 mm) and low MIC against Escherichia coli (6.67 μg/mL) and Salmonella typhimurium (2.67 μg/mL). In larvicidal assays against Anopheles stephensi, the metabolite showed time-dependent efficacy, with LC₅₀ values decreasing from 399 mg/L at 24 h to 353 mg/L at 72 h. Structural analysis suggested a novel compound with a molecular weight of 738 Da. Our findings identify the N. fluminea N2 metabolite as a promising dual-function agent for combating bacterial pathogens and malaria vectors.
{"title":"Nocardia-derived metabolites as promising antibacterial and larvicidal agents against Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Marjan Seratnahaei , Saeed Eshraghi , Fatemeh Safari , Snigdha Mohan , Neda Merikhi , Leila shirani-bidabadi , Alireza Zahraei-Ramazani","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Nocardia</em> species produce diverse bioactive secondary metabolites, with potential applications against antibiotic resistance and vector-borne diseases. This study characterizes a metabolite from <em>Nocardia fluminea</em> strain N2, isolated from soils in Tehran, Iran, and evaluates its dual antibacterial and larvicidal activities. The strain, identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, and its metabolite production was monitored. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed using agar well diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, while larvicidal toxicity was evaluated by determining the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC₅₀) and 90 (LC₉₀). The metabolite's chemical composition was elucidated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. The metabolite exhibited potent antibacterial effects, demonstrating significant inhibition zones (>15 mm) and low MIC against <em>Escherichia coli</em> (6.67 μg/mL) and <em>Salmonella typhimurium</em> (2.67 μg/mL). In larvicidal assays against <em>Anopheles stephensi</em>, the metabolite showed time-dependent efficacy, with LC₅₀ values decreasing from 399 mg/L at 24 h to 353 mg/L at 72 h. Structural analysis suggested a novel compound with a molecular weight of 738 Da. Our findings identify the <em>N. fluminea</em> N2 metabolite as a promising dual-function agent for combating bacterial pathogens and malaria vectors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103220"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145743848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is widely distributed worldwide. Although it generally remains asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV. These individuals are at increased risk of developing encephalitis, primarily due to the reactivation of a latent infection. Genotyping of T. gondii in humans is an essential tool for studying the epidemiology of this parasitosis. Previous studies have identified three main archetypal (classical) lineages or genotypes: type I, II, and III, as well as strains that show distinct and broader genetic variations.
In this study, we report for the first time in Algeria the isolation and genetic characterization of the Africa 4 lineage of Toxoplasma gondii using microsatellites genotyping in an HIV-positive patient. This recently described clonal lineage in animal and human highlights the genetic diversity of T. gondii. This work underscores the need for studies to explore the prevalence and distribution of genotypes in the Maghreb region.
{"title":"First identification of the Africa 4 genotype of toxoplasma gondii in Algeria: Investigation of its origin and rarity","authors":"Nabil Mohamdi , Sihem Benaissa , Anis Benyahia , Karine Passebosc-Faure , Hélène Yéra , Gilles Gargala , Damien Costa , Loic Favennec","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103212","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103212","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, is widely distributed worldwide. Although it generally remains asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV. These individuals are at increased risk of developing encephalitis, primarily due to the reactivation of a latent infection. Genotyping of <em>T. gondii</em> in humans is an essential tool for studying the epidemiology of this parasitosis. Previous studies have identified three main archetypal (classical) lineages or genotypes: type I, II, and III, as well as strains that show distinct and broader genetic variations.</div><div>In this study, we report for the first time in Algeria the isolation and genetic characterization of the Africa 4 lineage of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> using microsatellites genotyping in an HIV-positive patient. This recently described clonal lineage in animal and human highlights the genetic diversity of <em>T. gondii</em>. This work underscores the need for studies to explore the prevalence and distribution of genotypes in the Maghreb region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103212"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145701441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103204
Judith V. Bentancourt Rossoli , Lucía María Campero , Gastón Moré , Agustina Soto-Cabrera , Dadín P. Moore , Eleonora L. Morrell , María V. Scioli , Walter Basso , Yanina P. Hecker , Nathalia P. Scioscia
Rodents serve as reservoir hosts for many parasites, including the closely related intracellular protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, which are regarded as major causes of abortion in ruminants. This study investigated T. gondii and N. caninum infections in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from rural areas in the Pampas Region, Argentina, using histological, serological, and molecular methods. We also genetically characterized T. gondii isolates. A total of 356 rodents were captured, comprising both murid (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus) and cricetid (Oxymycterus rufus, Necromys spp., Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Calomys musculinus, C. laucha) species. Histological examination did not reveal tissue cysts of these parasites. However, antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum were detected in 9.8 % (35/356) and 1.7 % (6/356) of the samples using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). T. gondii DNA was detected by qPCR in brain samples from two of the 41 seropositive rodents. Multilocus PCR-RFLP revealed atypical T. gondii genotypes in both samples. N. caninum DNA was not detected by PCR in any sample. This study provides the first serological and molecular evidence of T. gondii and N. caninum in Cricetidae rodents from Argentina, including the first genotyping data. The detection of T. gondii DNA exclusively in wild rodents highlights the role of wildlife in parasite transmission.
{"title":"Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in naturally infected synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from Argentina","authors":"Judith V. Bentancourt Rossoli , Lucía María Campero , Gastón Moré , Agustina Soto-Cabrera , Dadín P. Moore , Eleonora L. Morrell , María V. Scioli , Walter Basso , Yanina P. Hecker , Nathalia P. Scioscia","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rodents serve as reservoir hosts for many parasites, including the closely related intracellular protozoan parasites <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and <em>Neospora caninum,</em> which are regarded as major causes of abortion in ruminants. This study investigated <em>T. gondii</em> and <em>N. caninum</em> infections in synanthropic (Muridae) and wild (Cricetidae) rodents from rural areas in the Pampas Region, Argentina, using histological, serological, and molecular methods. We also genetically characterized <em>T. gondii</em> isolates. A total of 356 rodents were captured, comprising both murid (<em>Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus</em>) and cricetid (<em>Oxymycterus rufus, Necromys</em> spp., <em>Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Calomys musculinus, C. laucha</em>) species. Histological examination did not reveal tissue cysts of these parasites. However, antibodies for <em>T. gondii</em> and <em>N. caninum</em> were detected in 9.8 % (35/356) and 1.7 % (6/356) of the samples using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was detected by qPCR in brain samples from two of the 41 seropositive rodents. Multilocus PCR-RFLP revealed atypical <em>T. gondii</em> genotypes in both samples. <em>N. caninum</em> DNA was not detected by PCR in any sample. This study provides the first serological and molecular evidence of <em>T. gondii</em> and <em>N. caninum</em> in Cricetidae rodents from Argentina, including the first genotyping data. The detection of <em>T. gondii</em> DNA exclusively in wild rodents highlights the role of wildlife in parasite transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103204"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145687849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103219
Thao Thi Bich Nguyen , Hafid Dahma , Veronique Dermauw , Dung Thi Bui , Bertrand Losson , Pierre Dorny , Dung Trung Do , Olivier Vandenberg
Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease that affects human and animal health worldwide, especially in developing countries. Although fascioliasis is considered an emerging disease in Vietnam, community-based prevalence estimates are scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of fascioliasis in northern Vietnam. In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 796 individuals from Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa provinces; stool and blood samples were collected from its members. Stool samples were analyzed for Fasciola eggs using the Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration techniques, while serum samples were analyzed for anti-Fasciola antibodies using ELISA. All participants aged 15 years and older completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and culinary practices. No Fasciola eggs were detected in stool samples (0 %, 95 %CI: 0.00–0.46); however, 2.6 % of participants were seropositive for fascioliasis (21/796, 95 %CI: 1.7 % – 4.0 %). Multivariable logistic regression showed a significantly higher risk of being seropositive among individuals of non-Kinh ethnicity (OR = 14.03, 95 % CI: 2.39–82.17), and among farmers (OR = 3.42, 95 % CI: 1.04–11.25). Lack of awareness about fascioliasis was associated with higher seropositivity (OR = 0.31, 95 %CI: 0.11–0.87). Our findings indicate that fascioliasis is mesoendemic in northern and north central Vietnam. Targeted educational campaigns should explain how transmission can be interrupted.
{"title":"Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of human fascioliasis in Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa provinces, Vietnam","authors":"Thao Thi Bich Nguyen , Hafid Dahma , Veronique Dermauw , Dung Thi Bui , Bertrand Losson , Pierre Dorny , Dung Trung Do , Olivier Vandenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103219","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103219","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease that affects human and animal health worldwide, especially in developing countries. Although fascioliasis is considered an emerging disease in Vietnam, community-based prevalence estimates are scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of fascioliasis in northern Vietnam. In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 796 individuals from Yen Bai and Thanh Hoa provinces; stool and blood samples were collected from its members. Stool samples were analyzed for <em>Fasciola</em> eggs using the Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration techniques, while serum samples were analyzed for anti-<em>Fasciola</em> antibodies using ELISA. All participants aged 15 years and older completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and culinary practices. No <em>Fasciola</em> eggs were detected in stool samples (0 %, 95 %CI: 0.00–0.46); however, 2.6 % of participants were seropositive for fascioliasis (21/796, 95 %CI: 1.7 % – 4.0 %). Multivariable logistic regression showed a significantly higher risk of being seropositive among individuals of non-Kinh ethnicity (OR = 14.03, 95 % CI: 2.39–82.17), and among farmers (OR = 3.42, 95 % CI: 1.04–11.25). Lack of awareness about fascioliasis was associated with higher seropositivity (OR = 0.31, 95 %CI: 0.11–0.87). Our findings indicate that fascioliasis is mesoendemic in northern and north central Vietnam. Targeted educational campaigns should explain how transmission can be interrupted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103219"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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