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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103218
Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva , Gema Alama-Bermejo , Rebecca Higham , Santiago R. Ron , Beth Okamura , Jeffrey W. Streicher
Among parasites with vertebrate hosts, myxozoans (Cnidaria) remain some of the least studied both taxonomically and geographically. We conducted the first reported surveys for myxozoans from amphibian hosts in Ecuador at two localities: a mid-elevation cloud forest on the Chocó region (western slopes of the Andes) and a lowland Amazonian tropical forest, east of the Andes. We sampled 177 gall bladders and 17 kidneys across the surveys. We found no evidence of myxozoans in the cloud forest site. Myxozoans of the genus Cystodiscus were encountered in the gallbladders of multiple amphibian species from the Amazonian rainforest site, including new host records. Our molecular phylogenies show that, while many of these myxozoans were referable to a clade of C. cf. immersus, we also discovered a divergent lineage of Cystodiscus in the gall bladder of a host that, unlike other known amphibian hosts, has arboreal oviposition. We describe this lineage as a new species, Cystodiscus insperatus n. sp., and infer transmission scenarios consistent with the unique ecology of its frog host. We also report for the first time molecular evidence of a possible new lineage of Sphaerospora living in the kidneys of Osteocephalus taurinus (Anura). Collectively, our study highlights the potential for (i) large biogeographic barriers (like the Andes) to influence the distribution of myxozoans and (ii) intermediate host ecology to drive the evolution of novel lineages of these parasites.
在以脊椎动物为寄主的寄生虫中，粘虫（刺胞虫）在分类学和地理上都是研究最少的。我们在厄瓜多尔的两个地方进行了首次两栖类黏液动物调查：Chocó地区（安第斯山脉西部斜坡）的中高海拔云雾森林和安第斯山脉东部的亚马逊低地热带森林。我们在调查中抽取了177个胆囊和17个肾脏。我们在云雾森林遗址没有发现黏液动物的证据。在亚马逊雨林遗址的多种两栖动物的胆囊中发现了囊盘属黏液动物，包括新的寄主记录。我们的分子系统发育表明，虽然这些黏液动物中的许多都与c.c.s immersus的一个分支有关，但我们也在宿主的胆囊中发现了一个不同的囊盘动物谱系，与其他已知的两栖动物宿主不同，它有树栖产卵。我们将这一谱系描述为一个新的物种，囊蝇insperatus n. sp.，并推断其传播情景与它的青蛙宿主的独特生态相一致。我们也首次报道了在牛头骨头（Osteocephalus taurinus, Anura）的肾脏中可能存在的Sphaerospora新谱系的分子证据。总的来说，我们的研究强调了(i)大型生物地理屏障（如安第斯山脉）影响黏着动物分布和（ii）中间宿主生态驱动这些寄生虫新谱系进化的潜力。
{"title":"Novel diversity and distributions of myxozoans in amphibians from Ecuador with the description of a new species of Cystodiscus","authors":"Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva , Gema Alama-Bermejo , Rebecca Higham , Santiago R. Ron , Beth Okamura , Jeffrey W. Streicher","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103218","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103218","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Among parasites with vertebrate hosts, myxozoans (Cnidaria) remain some of the least studied both taxonomically and geographically. We conducted the first reported surveys for myxozoans from amphibian hosts in Ecuador at two localities: a mid-elevation cloud forest on the Chocó region (western slopes of the Andes) and a lowland Amazonian tropical forest, east of the Andes. We sampled 177 gall bladders and 17 kidneys across the surveys. We found no evidence of myxozoans in the cloud forest site. Myxozoans of the genus <em>Cystodiscus</em> were encountered in the gallbladders of multiple amphibian species from the Amazonian rainforest site, including new host records. Our molecular phylogenies show that, while many of these myxozoans were referable to a clade of <em>C.</em> cf. <em>immersus</em>, we also discovered a divergent lineage of <em>Cystodiscus</em> in the gall bladder of a host that, unlike other known amphibian hosts, has arboreal oviposition. We describe this lineage as a new species, <em>Cystodiscus insperatus</em> n. sp., and infer transmission scenarios consistent with the unique ecology of its frog host. We also report for the first time molecular evidence of a possible new lineage of <em>Sphaerospora</em> living in the kidneys of <em>Osteocephalus taurinus</em> (Anura). Collectively, our study highlights the potential for (i) large biogeographic barriers (like the Andes) to influence the distribution of myxozoans and (ii) intermediate host ecology to drive the evolution of novel lineages of these parasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678369","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 : 2025-11-30DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2025.103213
Maíza M. Rodrigues , Raquel S.B. Câmara , Camila S. Freitas , Daniela P. Lage , Ana L. Silva , Mariana M. Cardoso , Nathália C. Galvani , Dóris M. Abrão , Breno L. Pimenta , Bárbara P.N. Assis , Ana T. Chaves , Grasiele S.V. Tavares , João A. Oliveira-da-Silva , Unaí Tupinambás , Manoel O. da Costa Rocha , Myron Christodoulides , Ricardo A. Machado-de-Ávila , Denise U. Gonçalves , Isabela A.G. Pereira , Eduardo A.F. Coelho
The diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) remains challenging, primarily due to the variable sensitivity and specificity of current laboratory tests. Moreover, most diagnostic methods rely on invasive blood collection and require laboratory infrastructure, limiting their accessibility. In this study, the Leishmania small myristoylated protein-3 (SMP-3) was evaluated as a potential diagnostic antigen for TL using both urine and serum samples. A total of 175 paired samples were analyzed, including 55 from TL patients, 45 from healthy individuals, and 75 from patients with cross-reactive diseases. The diagnostic performance of recombinant SMP-3 (rSMP-3), a predicted B-cell epitope from the SMP-3 sequence, and a soluble Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis antigen extract (SLA) were assessed using ELISA experiments. In urine-based ELISA, rSMP-3 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and kappa coefficient all reaching 100 %. The synthetic peptide yielded sensitivity of 87.3 %, specificity of 100 %, PPV of 1.0, NPV of 0.95, and a kappa of 0.89. In comparison, SLA showed lower performance with values of 76.6 % sensitivity, 93.3 % specificity, 0.84 PPV, 0.90 NPV, and 0.73 kappa coefficient. For serum-based ELISA, rSMP-3 also exhibited high diagnostic performance, with sensitivity of 90.9 %, specificity of 100 %, PPV of 1.0, NPV of 0.96, and a kappa of 0.93. The synthetic peptide reached 94.6 % sensitivity, 96.7 % specificity, 0.96 PPV, 0.95 NPV, and a kappa of 0.91. SLA again showed inferior results, with sensitivity of 50.9 %, specificity of 94.2 %, PPV of 0.94, NPV of 0.92, and a kappa coefficient of 0.50. Furthermore, a significant decline in SMP-3-specific IgG levels was observed six months post-treatment in TL patients, indicating its potential utility as a prognostic marker. When compared to a commercial diagnostic kit, SMP-3 demonstrated satisfactory performance. In conclusion, SMP-3 is a promising antigen for the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of TL and warrants further investigation as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for this neglected tropical disease.
{"title":"Recombinant small myristoylated protein-3 and synthetic peptide as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for tegumentary leishmaniasis","authors":"Maíza M. Rodrigues , Raquel S.B. Câmara , Camila S. Freitas , Daniela P. Lage , Ana L. Silva , Mariana M. Cardoso , Nathália C. Galvani , Dóris M. Abrão , Breno L. Pimenta , Bárbara P.N. Assis , Ana T. Chaves , Grasiele S.V. Tavares , João A. Oliveira-da-Silva , Unaí Tupinambás , Manoel O. da Costa Rocha , Myron Christodoulides , Ricardo A. Machado-de-Ávila , Denise U. Gonçalves , Isabela A.G. Pereira , Eduardo A.F. Coelho","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The diagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) remains challenging, primarily due to the variable sensitivity and specificity of current laboratory tests. Moreover, most diagnostic methods rely on invasive blood collection and require laboratory infrastructure, limiting their accessibility. In this study, the <em>Leishmania</em> small myristoylated protein-3 (SMP-3) was evaluated as a potential diagnostic antigen for TL using both urine and serum samples. A total of 175 paired samples were analyzed, including 55 from TL patients, 45 from healthy individuals, and 75 from patients with cross-reactive diseases. The diagnostic performance of recombinant SMP-3 (rSMP-3), a predicted B-cell epitope from the SMP-3 sequence, and a soluble <em>Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis</em> antigen extract (SLA) were assessed using ELISA experiments. In urine-based ELISA, rSMP-3 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and kappa coefficient all reaching 100 %. The synthetic peptide yielded sensitivity of 87.3 %, specificity of 100 %, PPV of 1.0, NPV of 0.95, and a kappa of 0.89. In comparison, SLA showed lower performance with values of 76.6 % sensitivity, 93.3 % specificity, 0.84 PPV, 0.90 NPV, and 0.73 kappa coefficient. For serum-based ELISA, rSMP-3 also exhibited high diagnostic performance, with sensitivity of 90.9 %, specificity of 100 %, PPV of 1.0, NPV of 0.96, and a kappa of 0.93. The synthetic peptide reached 94.6 % sensitivity, 96.7 % specificity, 0.96 PPV, 0.95 NPV, and a kappa of 0.91. SLA again showed inferior results, with sensitivity of 50.9 %, specificity of 94.2 %, PPV of 0.94, NPV of 0.92, and a kappa coefficient of 0.50. Furthermore, a significant decline in SMP-3-specific IgG levels was observed six months post-treatment in TL patients, indicating its potential utility as a prognostic marker. When compared to a commercial diagnostic kit, SMP-3 demonstrated satisfactory performance. In conclusion, SMP-3 is a promising antigen for the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of TL and warrants further investigation as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for this neglected tropical disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"112 ","pages":"Article 103213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145661673","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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