Trends in parasitology最新文献

West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus which is emerging across Europe, largely due to climate and other environmental changes. Detection of WNV at increasingly northern latitudes raises concern that WNV may be introduced to Britain, where ecological conditions could eventually support sustained transmission. Establishment of WNV depends on spatial and temporal overlap between infectious migratory birds and native vectors. However, understanding of the distributions and phenology of key vector species in Britain is incomplete and must be updated to prioritise activities for WNV surveillance and response. Here, we review recent findings related to WNV ecology in continental Europe and the ecology of British mosquito species in order to evaluate the risk of WNV establishment in Britain.

Gut single-celled eukaryotes (GSCEs) are found in billions of people worldwide, but we still know little about their functions and relationships in human gut ecology. Lately, retrospective analysis of bacterial data obtained by next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods has been used to identify links between GSCEs, gut bacteria, host metabolism, and host phenotypical traits, suggesting possible direct or indirect associations to favorable gut microbiome features and other health parameters. Here, we highlight some of the pitfalls related to the research strategy typically used so far and propose action points that could pave the way for a more accurate understanding of GSCEs in human health and disease.

Hypnozoites - dormant Plasmodium parasites in the liver - can cause relapse infections and form a major obstacle to malaria eradication. The mechanisms controlling dormancy remain poorly understood, but hypnozoite formation and reactivation is likely regulated by a combination of parasite intrinsic factors and external stimuli. We reviewed current knowledge of Plasmodium dormancy and drew parallels with dormancy in other parasites and life-cycle stages. Epigenetic, post-transcriptional, or post-translational regulation probably jointly control hypnozoite dormancy at the intrinsic level. Additionally, environmental factors, such as vector availability, host wellbeing, and tissue microenvironment, could be instrumental to hypnozoite reactivation. A better understanding of how external stimuli influence the intrinsic reactivation switch at a mechanistic level will be required to expand the limited toolset to combat relapsing malaria.

We highlight the epidemiological importance of Schistosoma mattheei, a common parasite of livestock with an underappreciated ability to infect people, being recently incriminated in both female and male genital schistosomiasis. Through hybridisation(s) with other schistosome species, its public health importance will grow as its zoonotic potential expands across southern Africa.

Host manipulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. We summarize recent studies using -omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics) to explore alteration in gene expression in hosts infected by manipulative parasites. To guide future research, we highlight the common pattern of neuromodulation, as well as other diverse combinations of functions targeted across different host manipulation systems.

Metabolically active, genetically attenuated Plasmodium falciparum parasite lines are promising second-generation malaria vaccine candidates. Lamers et al. and Roozen et al. demonstrated in recent Phase 1/2a trials that GA2 parasites, designed to arrest late during liver-stage development and transmitted via mosquito bites, can induce substantial protection against sporozoite challenge infection.

Faced with the increased frequency of zoonotic spillover in recent decades, emerging vector-borne diseases from nonhuman primates pose a significant threat to global public health. Understanding transmission dynamics driven by arthropod vectors between wildlife populations is critical for surveillance, modeling, and mitigation. Elevated canopy-level sampling is a valuable approach for elucidating vector behavior and sylvatic transmission. However, this is underused in many regions because of the logistical and mechanical challenges of repurposing ground-based trapping for the forest canopy. We review methods of canopy-level entomological surveillance, present case studies, and identify opportunities to integrate new technologies. Paired with robust experimental design, canopy-level trapping can complement existing surveillance of emerging zoonotic diseases and provide critical insights into the role of vectors driving spillover risks.